China can expect cold weather in the next three days, with the temperature down by an average six to 10 degrees Celsius, according to the Central Meteorological Station Monday.  

A strong cold air current will influence China's northern areas from Monday, causing a temperature drop by 12 to 14 degrees. The highest temperature in the capital Beijing would also fall from 18 Celsius degrees Monday to 12 Tuesday, said Zhou Qingliang, vice director in charge of weather forecasting.

South China could expect rainfall, with some areas to suffer storms and hails, Zhou said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2004)