BEIJING - China witnessed the lowest precipitation in 39 years in the first half of this year, head of the nation's meteorological bureau said Wednesday.

Lack of rain had caused a severe drought in winter wheat-growing areas in north China and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, said Zheng Guoguang, director of the China Meteorological Administration at a press conference.

Also, the average temperature was the lowest in 15 years nationwide. The nation also experienced more frequent floods, hail and forest fires, he said.

Zheng predicted the northwest Pacific and South China Sea would see 15to 17 typhoons between August and December.

He said most parts of China would receive more precipitation in autumn and winter than the yearly average, citing National Climate Center.