BEIJING, March 24  -- A cold front will hit northwest China from Tuesday night, with winds whipping up a lot of dust, according to an official forecast.

Strong winds will sweep central and western Inner Mongolia, and parts of Gansu and northern Xinjiang, with temperatures plunging by up to eight degrees Celsius, said the National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Tuesday.

Dust in the air could cause breathing difficulties for those with respiratory problems, as well as people with sensitive eyes and skin, the NMC warned. It advised people to cut outdoor activity and wear masks when outside.

Meanwhile, parts of south China face moderate to heavy rain from Tuesday morning, according to the forecast.