Beijing to launch orange alert for heavy air pollution

Beijing Municipality will issue an orange alert for air pollution as a new round of smog looks set to linger.

The orange alert, the second highest in the four-tier warning system, will be effective midnight Wednesday.

The capital would prepare for heavy pollution for three consecutive days from Thursday to Saturday, according to a statement issued by the city's heavy air pollution emergency response office.

Outdoor activities in schools should be canceled, and construction projects will, likewise, be suspended.

The smog is expected to disperse Sunday when a cold front is forecast to hit the city, according to the city's meteorological authorities.