BEIJING — A cold front sweeping across most parts of northern and eastern China will bring a temperature drop and strong winds in the next few days, the national observatory forecast on Dec 3.

From Dec 3 to Dec 5, temperatures will fall by up to six degrees Celsius, with some areas in the northeast to see drops of eight degrees, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

The chilly weather will be accompanied by strong winds in regions to the north of the Yangtze River. Precipitation will be limited in most parts of the country, while some parts of Xinjiang, Guizhou and Sichuan will see snow or sleet.

Cold gusts are expected to disperse smog that has shrouded Beijing.

However, downwind regions are expected to experience a temporary worsening in air quality. The NMC forecast heavy fog in some areas of Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu and Sichuan with visibility reduced to less than 200 meters.