Pollutants expected to linger through winter

Meteorological conditions in northern China will generally be unfavorable for the dispersal of air pollutants until February, as the region enters the period that typically features the highest air pollution, authorities said.

The assessment by the National Climate Center and China National Environmental Monitoring Center was published on Thursday, as northern parts of the country officially started to supply heat to buildings.

Cold air movement from northern parts of the country are expected to be weak from December to February this winter, leading to calm air masses. That means air pollutants will be more difficult to disperse, according to a statement to media from the China Meteorological Administration, which oversees the National Climate Center.