Strong winds, colder weather this weekend

The National Meteorological Center issued a yellow alert for high winds and a blue alert for sandstorms on Thursday, warning of severe weather from Friday to Sunday as strong cold air sweeps across vast regions.

Ma Xuekuan, chief forecaster at the NMC, said North China is expected to experience an unusually prolonged windstorm for this time of year.

The eastern side of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and parts of Northeast China are bracing for heavy snow, while southern regions are set to face the most intense hailstorms and convective weather of the year. Dust and sandstorms will also affect areas in Northwest China and Inner Mongolia.