Thick smog forecast for N China cities

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Thursday warned that severe smog will hit the cities of Beijing and Tianjin as well as parts of Hebei and Henan provinces from Thursday night.

In Beijing, the air has been noticeably hazy for several days. On Thursday, the central and southern part of the city was particularly hard hit by severe air pollution, according to the NMC.

The NMC's monitoring data also observed that more areas in north China -- including the northeastern and northwestern regions, as well as some areas south of the Yangtze River -- had reported bad air quality.

It also forecast that from Thursday night a new cold front in north China will start moving southward, which could gradually disperse the smog.

However, at the current time people with respiratory issues are advised to stay in doors or wear protective masks.