Heavy rains, snow forecast in central, eastern China

BEIJING -- A fresh wave of cold air will sweep across most regions in central and eastern China, lowering temperatures and bringing rain and snow from Wednesday to Friday, China's meteorological authority said Tuesday.

Affected by the cold air, large sections of central and eastern China will see temperatures drop by 6 to 10 degrees Celsius, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

Snowfall and sleet will likely hit parts of Northwest, Northeast and North China.

Provincial-level regions of Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, Henan, Hubei, Guizhou and Hunan will see heavy rainfall, said the NMC.

Most parts of Hubei province, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China, will be affected by rainfall for the upcoming week, with a temperature plunge of 8 to 10 degrees.

The center advised the public to take precautions against the cold weather and safety risks.