Most parts of China would see temperature drop by five to nine degrees centigrade, as some regions embraced cold currents in the coming week, said the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) forecast on Sunday.

But no widespread heavy precipitation was expected along with the cold currents, it said.

The steepest drop in temperature, of more than 10 degrees, would occur in the eastern part of northwest China, the western region of north China and the east coastal areas, as a result of a strong cold current from Tuesday to Thursday, the state weather observatory said.

The cold currents would also bring some snow into northeast China, the coldest regions across the country in winter, while parts of the south China's Jiangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces would expect the first frost this winter, it said.

Meteorological experts urged local governments to get prepared for the lower temperature and probable strong winds, and vessels and fishing boats were warned to take precaution against the frequent and fast-moving cold currents.

(Xinhua News Agency November 24, 2008)