Rain, snow to sweep S China

Rain and snow in southwest China will move eastward to sweep most parts of the country's southern regions over the next few days, meteorological authorities forecast on Wednesday.

From Thursday, another round of rain and snow will hit most parts of southwest China, areas along the Yangtze and Han rivers, regions south of the Yangtze River and most of the country's south, the National Meteorological Center said.

Affected by this round of cold weather, light to moderate snow or sleet will be seen in central and northern parts of Guizhou Province, the south of Hubei Province and the western and northern parts of Hunan Province, with some areas in Guizhou expecting freezing rain, the center said.

It also forecast moderate rain in some regions of Hunan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi and Jiangxi provinces from Thursday.

The center has warned local authorities in affected regions to prepare fully for the icy weather, and the public to keep warm and plan early if traveling.