A cold front is expected to hit the eastern and central part of the country with some regions seeing a drop of 12 ℃? in the days to come, the Central Meteorological Observatory said Sunday.

The weekend saw a cold front passing through the north and east, generating stiff winds.

Beijing's maximum and minimum temperatures were 13 ℃ and 1 C Sunday.

With the passage of the north winds of 4 ℃ to 8 ℃, most parts from the northwest to the east will see a dramatic drop of about 8 ℃. Some parts of eastern China are expected to see a plunge of 12 ℃.

Following heavy fog in most parts of the country on Friday, eastern provinces including Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian were still shrouded with light fog and haze until yesterday with visibility at 200 meters.

The observatory continued to forecast "strong winds and lower temperatures".

Those working in the open and at sea were alerted of the possible risk of workplace hazards caused by the winds.

The meteorological department reminded people to keep warm when going outdoors.

All industries particularly susceptible to weather changes should keep abreast of weather forecasts in the media, the central observatory said.

Sleet and light rain are expected in the west and north, with drizzles in the east and light to moderate rain in the south over the next three days.

(China Daily October 29, 2007)