A strong cold air front moving east from Inner Mongolia will bring gale-force winds and a sharp temperature drop to northern and eastern China.

According to the forecast released by the State Meteorological Observatory yesterday, central and eastern China can expect a temperature drop of 6 C to 10 C and northerly winds with forces 5 to 7 in the next two days.

Some areas may even see as sharp a drop as 12 C to 16 C because of the cold air front.

In addition, most parts of northern China can expect snowfall overnight, forecasters said.

Beijing, however, might not see snow but could be covered in sleet, as the temperature in the capital remains rather high for snowfall, said Qiao Lin, an observatory expert.

Even so, the city has been prepared for any snowy conditions, officials said.

Officials with the municipal administration said dozens of snow removal vehicles are ready to go to get rid of any snow and ice.

"Once the observatory forecasts there may be snowfall, we will be ready to carry out our emergency response plans to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles," the official said.

Subways have also been included in the city's emergency response plans this year, since Beijingers view the underground as an alternative means of transport when snow hits.

The 13th subway route or the city's light rail stopped running the morning after the first snowfall hit Beijing on November 6 because ice covered part of the rail and power was cut off.

Subway technicians are now researching solutions to that problem, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

To deal with the situation, the city has updated its emergency response plan, including more frequent weather forecasts - every three hours - and forecasts broadcast for major roads.

(China Daily November 20, 2003)