Smog to thicken before cold blast chases it away

In Harbin, snowfall provides relief, but warmer temperatures mean the reprieve is unlikely to last long

The severe air pollution blanketing Northeast China is expected to lift slightly on Friday, then return to hazardous levels over the weekend, according to the National Meteorological Center.

However, as cold air from the east moves in on Tuesday, the smog will disappear gradually, the center said.