China's meteorological authorities on Wednesday issued a blue alert as smog cloaked most of the north and east of the country. A blue alert is the first of four warning levels.
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Visibility in Beijing, Tianjin, West Shandong, North Henan, northern and central area of Hebei and Jiangsu is less than one kilometer with some areas reporting less than 200 meters.
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The meteorological center said temperatures in most areas of North China will drop from due to a strong cold air.
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Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Northeast China will be affected by snowfall and strong wind. Smog in North China and the Yellow-Huaihe River Valley will gradually dissipate as the cold air moves toward the south.Â