Cold wave to hit vast parts of China

BEIJING -- A cold front will hit China from Saturday evening to Monday evening, causing temperature drops and bringing strong winds, the country's top meteorological authority said on Saturday.

Over the next two days, temperatures are forecast to fall by 4-8 degrees Celsius in parts of Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Heilongjiang, accompanied by strong winds, the National Meteorological Center said in a statement.

From Sunday to Tuesday, heavy snow or sleet will hit Gansu, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia, while rainstorms are likely to hit central and eastern parts of China.

The center advised local authorities to remain alert and minimize the adverse impacts of unfavorable weather conditions on people's lives and production.