BEIJING - Traffic jams could seriously clog Beijing's roads this week ahead of the eight-day national holiday, the city's authority warned on Monday.

This week will see heavy traffic, which could be affected by possible rainfall, according to a statement from Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport. The traffic congestion is predicted before the holiday, when the Chinese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sunday and the National Day on October 1.

Congestion is expected during the evening rush hours from Wednesday to Saturday, according to the statement.

The commission also said it will pay special attention to the city's traffic on Wednesday and Friday nights, when heavy traffic jams are predicted.

The statement said the commission based its prediction on traffic analysis and its experience in previous years.

The commission urged residents to use public transportation ahead of the holiday.