Pollution at 8 times WHO safe level in Shanghai

Shanghai's air was heavily polluted yesterday, with levels of the particularly harmful PM2.5 particles more than eight times the World Health Organization's safety guideline.

The air quality index surged to 251 at 10pm -- heavily polluted.

At the same time, concentrations of tiny PM2.5 particles -- which can get deep into the respiratory system -- stood at 201.3 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to the WHO safe level of 25.

However, air pollution should be better today, with stronger winds accompanying the arrival of a cold front dispersing the smog, said the Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center.

The center predicted light pollution this morning and good air quality by the afternoon.

While the arrival of the cold front will clear the air, it will also send temperatures tumbling, forecasters said.

Yesterday saw the mercury reach 14 degrees Celsius under the influence of a high pressure front but today it will struggle to get beyond 7 degrees and there may be spells of drizzle, said the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau.

A chill will linger in the city through early tomorrow morning, when the low is forecast to drop to 1 degree in downtown areas and below freezing in suburban districts.

But sunshine will bring some warmth, raising the high to 9.

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