Shanghai PM2.5 pollution soars to over 8 times national limit

Shanghai's air quality index (AQI) worsened to 448 by 1pm on Friday, indicating the highest level of pollution on the scale.

But the density of tiny PM2.5 particles soared to 602.5 micrograms per cubic meter by 1pm, more than eight times the nation's limit of 75. The highest density of 627.6 micrograms per cubic meter was recorded in Hongkou District early this afternoon. PM2.5 particles are considered particularly dangerous because they can go deep into the lungs.

Children, the elderly and those suffering heart problems or respiratory illnesses are advised to stay indoors while others were advised to cut down on outdoor activities.

The Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center forecast the smoggy weather would continue into the weekend.

A weak cold front will arrive today but only bring an increase in clouds and won't do much for the smog, forecasters said.

Temperatures will reach the mid-teens during the weekend, hitting 17 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while lows will range between 8 and 9 degrees.

On Monday, highs will drop to 12 degrees Celsius with a low of 6 degrees.