China renews blue alert for severe convective weather

BEIJING -- China's National Meteorological Center on Sunday renewed its blue weather alert for heavy rainfalls and severe convection in parts of the country.

From 8 am Sunday to 8 am Monday, thunderstorms, strong winds and hail are expected in parts of provinces including Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu, according to the center.

During this period, heavy rainfalls are expected to lash certain areas of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Taiwan and Shanghai.

Parts of these regions will experience downpours with up to over 70 mm of hourly precipitation, according to the forecast.

The center has advised local authorities to prepare for rainstorms, thunderstorms and gales and be vigilant against possible flooding, landslides and mudslides. It also recommended halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.