BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's national observatory on Monday forecast sharp temperature drops, strong winds and snow in parts of Inner Mongolia and northeast China provinces over the next 10 days, calling for preparedness measures to mitigate potential adverse effects on local agriculture and livestock production.

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) said that during the period, temperatures in affected areas are expected to be 2 to 5 degrees Celsius lower than the average level of previous years, driven by frequent waves of cold air.

The NMC also forecast sandy weather in Inner Mongolia and Gansu over the course of the coming week, necessitating precautionary measures against wind, cold and sandstorms.

Meteorological experts recommend that winter wheat-growing regions in the north implement classified management to ensure the security of crops. They also advised that greenhouse sheds and livestock enclosures be reinforced in advance to guard against the adverse effects of cold in the country's northeastern provinces and Inner Mongolia. ■