BEIJING -- Meteorological authorities in China have started issuing forecasts for air pollution conditions, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) announced on Monday.

The National Meteorological Center (NMC), a department under the CMA, will be in charge of issuing the forecasts on atmospheric pollution on six grades, with the first grade meaning excellent air conditions.

Higher grade numbers mean conditions are less conducive to pollutants diffusing, spreading and disappearing, according to a CMA statement on its official website.

Such forecasts were launched on Sunday, according to the statement.

The NMC will update forecasts for the following 24 hours at 8 am and 8 pm.

The statement said that the move would provide policy support to the government's and the meteorological authority's decision making in the event of major air pollution, while it will also give the public more convenient access to air pollution information.