BEIJING - China's meteorological authority on Monday forecast snow and temperature drops in northern regions and rainy weather in the south over the next few days.

On Monday and Tuesday, a cold front will bring gales and will lower temperatures by four to six degrees Celsius across north China, with some parts expecting temperatures down by eight to 10 degrees Celsius, said the National Meteorological Center.

Due to the combined effects of the cold front and warm air, moderate rain and sleet will fall in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, most other northern areas, and regions along the nation's major rivers, including the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, the center said.

It added that southern regions will see frequent rain from Monday to Wednesday, with light rain forecast for eastern parts of southwest China, regions along the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, and most parts of south China.