Warmer winter on way, bringing more air pollution

China will experience a warmer winter than normal, and some areas in the north will be more prone to air pollution as a result, the national observatory said on Tuesday.

"Generally, the average temperature in winter will be higher than average. The possibility of wide-ranging and long-lasting freezing snow and rain is low, " Ai Wanxiu, chief forecaster at the National Climate Center, said at a news conference on Tuesday.

She said, however, that people should follow the weather forecasts, as there may be short-term cold spells.