BEIJING -- Smog is expected to engulf parts of northern China on Friday and Saturday, the national observatory forecast on Tuesday.

The smog will hit Beijing as well as Shandong, Henan and Hebei provinces, reducing visibility and contributing to air pollution, the National Meteorological Center said.

Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province can expect heavy smog on Saturday, but a cold front between March 5 and 8 will help dispel the air pollution, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

To reduce pollution, Chen Jining, Minister of Environmental Protection, urged better implementation of smog emergency response measures and called for intensified air pollution inspections.

China is stepping up efforts to fight pollution and environmental degradation after decades of growth left the country saddled with problems such as smog and contaminated soil.

Its fight against air pollution intensified as cities suffered from more smoggy days in January, with northern areas hit the worst.