As China’s meteorological conditions in autumn and winter become less favorable, heavy air pollution may shroud parts of the country earlier this year, announced China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection on Sunday.

Temperatures and humidity levels might be higher this year in the autumn and winter months, while less southbound Siberian cold air may lead to the accumulation of pollutants in China. In addition to the deteriorating meteorological conditions, the pollution that hit Beijing on Aug. 30 suggests that the country can expect earlier heavy air pollution this year.

In response, the nation’s first semi-annual anti-pollution campaign was launched, with the focus on curbing unhealthy smog in autumn and winter. Based on an announcement released by the Ministry of Environment Protection on Sept.1, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) should drop 15 percent in autumn and winter, while the number of heavy polluted days is expected to be reduced 15 percent.

The campaign starts on Sept. 1 and will last until March 29, 2018. Fifteen rounds of strengthened supervision will be launched, while local governmental officials and party leaders will be held responsible for failing to achieve the environmental protection goals.

China will also improve its forecasting to extend the forecast period from seven to 10 days, providing sufficient time for taking effective measures, while emergency response plans should be improved in 28 northern and central cities to ensure their effectiveness, Xinhua reported.