Beijing set for grey National Day as heavy smog cloaks city
Meteorological service warns that smog will continue into upcoming National Day holiday
Heavy smog that has already devastated northern China regions, including Beijing and its surrounding provinces, for days is expected to continue into the upcoming National Day holiday, the official meteorological service warned on Monday.
Unfavourable weather conditions are hindering the dispersal of air pollutants and prolonging the smog, said weathertv.cn, an internet outlet responsible for publishing official meteorological information, a day before the country kicks off its major holiday of the year.
Video: dangerous levels of smog shrouds Beijing and Huainan
Smog will cover Beijing, Tianjin, large parts of Hebei province, and partial regions in Shanxi, Shandong, and Shaanxi provinces on Monday, said a forecast on the website. It advised the public to wear a mouth-muffler outdoors and to avoid intense exercise.
Heavy smog, which mostly happens in the north of China in winter, can damage people’s health and causes higher rates of cancers and heart diseases. One study in June concluded overexposure to such weather condition could cut the average life expectancy by up to five years.
However, online comments under the post showed that many were unconvinced by its claim as they recalled northern cities of China had experienced the worst smog in years in January with some reports saying that smog level readings had broken records.
Some users even quipped that the government’s post was a rumour, referring to a ongoing high-profile government campaign to rein in online rumours.
“Beijing government blog is spreading rumours,” said an online user with the certified identity of a senior reporter at the magazine .
