China elevates smog alert for Beijing and other areas

China's top observatory has elevated its smog alert for northern and central parts of the country, saying that smog will likely grip those areas for another two days, Chinese media reported.

The National Meteorological Center late Monday raised the alert status from yellow to orange, according to the report. China has a four-tier alert system for air pollution - "blue," "yellow," "orange" and "red."

Moderate smog is expected to blanket Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi and Liaoning until Wednesday, it said, adding that some of those areas will enveloped in dense smog.

Officials asked residents to reduce outdoor activities.

Large Chinese cities are often plagued by heavy smog and choking air pollution. Reports say emissions from motor vehicles, coal-burning and cooking are the main culprit behind the smoggy weather.

AJP