BEIJING - The rain and cold weather came to clear the Beijing's smog, late Monday night.

According to the local meteorological bureau, the pollutant concentration began to decrease on Tuesday, bringing the city's air quality to the level of excellent or fine.

The temperature fell substantially due to the rain that will intensify in the afternoon and stop in the evening.

Beijing issued its first yellow alert for air pollution in the second half of this year on Sunday. Heavy smog remained in the city on Monday.

Meteorologists expect north China to see more smog in autumn and winter, given unfavorable weather conditions this year.