BEIJING - China's meteorological authorities on Thursday warned of sharp temperature drops and strong winds in north China due to a cold front that will sweep the region in the next three days.

The temperature will drop between six and eight degrees Celsius in most northern regions and part of central China. Some regions could experience temperature drops of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, said the National Meteorological Center (NMC) .

The NMC said snow and sleet are expected in the north from Friday to Sunday, with the possibility of snowstorms in parts of Inner Mongolia, Hebei and Liaoning.

Rain will persist in the country's southern provinces with some heavy downpours from Thursday evening to Saturday, said the NMC.

The authority also warned of light fog in parts of north and northeast China, especially in south Hebei and central Liaoning, warning the public to travel safely.