China’s meteorological authorities today renewed the orange cold wave alert, the highest level of the three-stage extreme weather warning used in the country, as they forecast large drops in temperature in southern regions of China.

From today until the day after tomorrow, Friday, the average daily temperatures or minimum temperatures in most parts of southern China will drop by 6 to 12 degrees Celsius, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Due to the cold wave, temperatures in parts of Guizhou, Hunan, Guangxi and Jiangxi regions may drop by more than 20 degrees Celsius.

The National Weather Service called on local governments to take action, advised the population to avoid exposure to the cold and asked to protect crops and aquatic products.

China has a three-point system with colors to warn of bad weather. Orange is for the most extreme weather, followed by yellow and blue.