BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authorities updated their blue alerts for a cold wave and strong winds on Tuesday, as a powerful cold front continues to sweep across the country.

"The cold wave has already engulfed all northern regions and is extending southward," said Yang Shunan, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Center.

Significant temperature drops of 6-10 degrees Celsius have been recorded in northeastern and northern regions such as Inner Mongolia, with some localities experiencing sharp falls of 12-14 degrees Celsius, Yang said.

The cold front will continue moving eastward and southward from Tuesday to Wednesday, bringing gales and lower temperatures.

The cold wave is expected to subside on Thursday, Yang said, advising residents to stay warm, minimize unnecessary outdoor activities, and steer clear of temporary structures like billboards when outside.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Enditem