Beijing's preparations for the up and coming celebration of the founding of the People's Republic of China have moved into high gear.

Local authorities have tightened security, banners are going up, and even the weather bureau is getting involved with special plans to provide detailed forecasts.

As part of the security upgrade plan, the Municipal Public Security Bureau is deploying SWAT teams around shopping and financial centers.

Checkpoints are being set up along key roads. All inbound and outbound people and vehicles will now have to pass through a security checkpoint.

Drivers are being ordered to open their trunks, and policemen are using handheld explosive and metal detectors to search for suspicious cargo.

And the second generation ID card verifier ensures no one will be able to hide his or her real identity.

PLA troops, police, armed police, security guards and volunteers have been mobilized to maintain order and stability during the celebration. Even the city's ordinary residents will play a central part.

Mass participation was first pioneered during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and was proven to be a success.

As for the intensity of the police presence, Beijing has gone from level three to level two, meaning that nearly 7,000 security personnel are patrolling the streets every day.

Beijing Police have also dispatched the Snow Leopard and the Blue Sword, two elite units instrumental to security during the Olympics, to deal with terror-linked incidents and absolutely any eventuality during the October celebration.

In a related development, Beijing's meteorological bureau is switching to a much more detailed forecast model. Experts say the parade rehearsal scheduled for September 29th will put their names to the test.

Sun Jisong, Chief Weatherman, Beijing's meteorological bureau, said, "We will launch high-altitude balloons and provide mid- and long-range forecasts 10 days in advance. We will also provide short-range forecasts covering a few hours each day, three to five days ahead of time. On October 1st, we are going to forecast the weather from six in the morning on an hourly basis."

The celebration on National Day will consist of many outdoor activities. Experts from the meteorological bureau say they will be using satellites and radars because there will be more foggy days in early autumn, making visibility forecasts more difficult.