BEIJING -- Beijing is expected to experience its first significant snowfall of this winter season on Friday as a strong cold front moves into the region, the municipal meteorological observatory said on Wednesday.

Most parts of the city are forecast to see moderate snowfall, and some southern areas and mountainous regions may experience heavy snow, according to the Beijing Meteorological Observatory.

Zhang Linna, the observatory's chief forecaster, said that snowfall will begin in the city's western mountainous areas early on Friday before spreading to nearby plains. Snowfall will be most intense from midday to late evening, but will weaken overnight on the plains, while mountainous regions will continue to see snow into Saturday morning.

Temperatures are forecast to drop sharply, with the nighttime low on Saturday expected to hit minus 10 degrees Celsius.

The city's meteorological authorities have warned that snowfall will make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of traffic congestion and accidents, particularly in mountainous areas.