China braces for possible rougher weather during rainy season

Weather experts believe there's a chance China will confront a complicated situation in natural disaster control during the upcoming rainy season with more severe convective weather, a phenomenon often accompanied by heavy rainfall in the north, an official with the Ministry of Emergency Management said.

From May to September, there is a possibility that meteorological conditions will be comparatively unfavorable, said Yuan Yi, deputy head of the ministry's monitoring and disaster mitigation, at a news conference on Monday.

Major rivers in northern China may experience strong flooding, she said. The high frequency of severe convective weather in the region means there may also be a greater risk of hail and gales.

Severe convective weather refers to sudden and very destructive weather that often includes thunderstorms, hail, strong winds and heavy rain.

Furthermore, Yuan said more typhoons may land in the country, though they are expected to generally weaker in strength.

She also warned of a greater risk of forest fires in Northeast, Central and Southwest China. East and Central China, as well as the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, may be hit by drought this summer, she said.