Dense haze is forecast for Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei province and parts of Shanxi province for Tuesday and much of Wednesday. Experts say the current stable atmospheric conditions are preventing the smog from dispersing.

The smog will last until Wednesday night, when a cold front is expected to clear the skies. Industrial plants have suspended or cut production, construction has been halted, while barbecues have been banned.

According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, heavy air pollution was monitored on Tuesday in 58 of the 161 cities that have begun using the new standard for air quality monitoring. Of the 58 cities, 23 were severely polluted.