Watch CBS News

New Years Fireworks Could Push Beijing To Air Pollution To Measurable Limit

KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.

Q: Roberta, Happy Lunar New Year! What is the weather like in Beijing for the celebrations? –Danny Lee, San Francisco

A: Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. With a little over 21 million people, It is one of the most populated cities on earth. As a result, it is heavily polluted with toxic air pollution.

Even on a "clear day" Beijing's skies can appear gray, with local residents sporting masks over their mouths and nose as a losing battle against the relentless pollution. With fireworks celebrations planned to welcome in the New Lunar Year, dozens of cites in China have banned lighting fireworks, while others have reduced the number of fireworks vendors allowed to operate.

However, it is still anticipated, Beijing's clear skies would likely become heavily polluted, reaching the highest level possible on a scale measuring air pollution.

It said the polluted air would probably last through Friday night due to windless conditions. The updated weather forecast for Beijing calls for a change in the weather. It is Friday there, and there will be a bit of snow and rain and a high temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. On this third and finally day of reveling, hopefully this will help diminish the use of fireworks and encourage other ways of celebrating the Year of the Sheep!

Do you have a question, comment or picture you would like to share with me? Please email Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com and have a terrific day!

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.