Heavy air pollution triggers orange alert for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Beijing will activate an orange alert, the second-highest level in China's four-tier warning system, for heavy air pollution at midnight on Wednesday, municipal authorities said.

The alert comes as unfavorable weather conditions are expected to trigger a regional pollution episode across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas. Air quality in the capital is forecast to reach moderate pollution, from Wednesday to Saturday, with a heavy pollution level possible in some areas and during certain periods.

Residents are advised to take precautions to protect their health.