BEIJING - A cold front is expected to sweep north China starting Tuesday, bringing snow to parts of the region, China's weather observatory said on Monday.

Temperatures are forecast to plunge by up to 10 degrees Celsius, and light to moderate snow is expected to hit the northeast, said the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

South China is bracing for rainy days from Monday to Wednesday with parts of the region facing moderate to heavy rains, the NMC said.

The NMC advised residents to avoid setting off firecrackers for the seven-day holidays of the Spring Festival, which fell on Feb. 19, throughout most of north China due to air pollution and strong wind.