Warmer weather most of China has been enjoying will end at the weekend when a cold front will sweep through the country, bringing strong winds and causing temperatures to drop by up to 12 C, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

But on Friday, the maximum temperature in parts of northern China is likely to reach 27 C, close to a record high.

The 10-day forecast released by the administration said the strong winds are likely to bring dusty conditions to northern China and Xinjiang, with mild to medium snowfalls expected in Inner Mongolia and parts of the northeast.

Over the weekend, the cold weather will bring rain to southern areas but drought-hit Yunnan and Sichuan will remain dry.

A new cold snap, from March 12 to 14, will affect northern areas, the report said.