BEIJING -- Smog will hit China's northern regions over the next three days, with visibility reduced sharply, the country's meteorological authority forecast Saturday.

Parts of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan and Shaanxi will be covered by heavy smog from Saturday through Monday, the National Meteorological Center said in an online statement, while suggesting residents wear masks when outside.

Affected by an upcoming cold front, the smog is expected to disappear Monday night.

Winter typically brings the worst air pollution in northern China due to cold weather conditions and an increase in coal burning for heating.

Snow is forecast for parts of Xinjiang, Liaoning, and Jilin over the next two days, the center said.

Xinhua