BEIJING - A strong cold front is expected to sweep most of China, dragging down temperatures by up to 14 degrees Celsius in some areas.

The cold front will lower temperatures by 6 to 10 degrees Celsius in most parts of China during the coming three days as it continues to move southeast, the National Meteorological Center forecast Friday.

Some regions in northwest China, most parts of northeast China as well as areas along the Yellow and Huaihe rivers will see heavy snow or blizzards during the period, the observatory said.

It warned about traffic safety in affected regions amid a post-holiday travel rush in which travelers will return to work as the week-long Lunar New Year holiday draws to a close.