Snow predicted for NE China, heavy rains in the South

Cold air is expected to affect the majority of China from Thursday until March 17, leading to heavy snow and rain, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

The administration forecasts that the temperature will drop by between 4 C and 8 C nationwide from Thursday to Saturday.

Up to 9 millimeters of snow is forecast to hit northeastern parts of the country on Wednesday while heavy rainfall will batter southern parts, such as Fujian province and south of the Yangtze River from Wednesday till Friday.

While the average temperature in North China is above normal compared with previous records in March, a benefit for farmers there, rainfall may have a negative effect on crops in the southwestern part of the country, the administration added.

Experts from the administration warned farmers busy with spring farming about the unfavorable predicted weather and advised them to take proper measures in advance.