Cities told to combat smog risk

Ministry calls for tighter controls as unfavorable weather looms

Beijing and surrounding areas have been mostly blessed with blue skies this winter, after massive reductions in air pollutants. But that may change this month as the wind dies down, according to forecasts.

The weather in late January and mid-February is unlikely to help in dispersing pollution, with temperatures expected to be above average compared with the past 30 years and less snow, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said on Wednesday.