While many employees will be taking time off this Spring Festival holiday, pollution is going to be working overtime. Beijing is expecting five days of heavy air pollution during the seven day holiday.

“Serious” air pollution is forecast for tonight, Chinese New Year’s Eve (February 18). This is not taking into consideration the fact that tens of thousands of firecrackers are expected to be set off, an annual tradition.

The smoggy conditions are expected to disappear by February 22, the fourth day of the new lunar year. The weather forecast for the rest of the country will see the north hit by snow and sleet while the south will be overcast and rainy. Even more reason to stay inside and enjoy new years treats.