Airpocalypse smothers Beijing as breathtaking PM2.5 levels hit 976 in

On November 29, Beijing Meteorological Station issued its highest smog alert of the year, upgrading it from the yellow of the past two days to orange, second only to red, to caution the public against the danger of lingering smoggy weather.

Authorities in Beijing have released an advisory suspending schools and other outdoor activities due to the possible health risks.

This all comes as China has recently announced that it has achieved the pollution reduction targets for major pollutants outlined in its 12th Five Year Plan six months ahead of schedule.

China's cities, following decades of economic growth and a widespread surge in auto ownership, rate among the world's dirtiest urban areas. But the country still depends on coal for more than 60 percent of its power. "If in a few years the situation does not change, we will consider leaving", the Associated Press news agency quoted Yin Lina, a woman who had bought her young daughter to hospital, as saying.

Those same authorities issued an orange air quality alert on Sunday, which has seen factories shut down production in an attempt to reduce emissions. At least one primary school in Beijing canceled all classes on Tuesday.

Experts say smog levels are higher than they were previous year.

The government should curb transport-related emissions not only in Beijing, but also in regions surrounding the capital, Xiang said.

Conditions were worsened by cold air that trapped pollutants near the ground, according to Zhang, the environment official.

Highways in Beijing and Henan province have been temporarily closed due to low visibility. Winds predicted for Wednesday are expected to clear away some of the pollution, but until then, residents are being warned to stay inside.

The readings far exceeded the national standard of 75 micrograms per cubic meter.

December 1, 2015: A lady sporting a face mask walks via a shopping & workplace complicated amid heavy pollution & fog in Beijing.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Environmental Protection found some construction projects flouted orders Monday to stop work that could raise dust, according to Xinhua.