Heavy rains to continue in central, E. China

Pedestrians and vehicles are seen at a crossroad in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, April 24, 2012. Local meteorologic authority has issued an orange alarm for thunderbolt and a blue alarm for torrential rain. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authority said Tuesday that rain in central and eastern China will gain strength until Wednesday.

Most regions in central and eastern China will experience rainstorms into Tuesday night, and torrential rains of 50 mm to 130 mm will hit some regions, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said.

The heavy rain and a cold front will bring down temperatures by 4 to 8 degrees Celsius in northern and northeastern China, as well as regions along the Yellow River and the Huaihe River, while some parts of northern China will see temperatures fall by up to 12 degrees, the NMC said.

The NMC warned people in regions affected by the rain to take precautions against disasters, such as urban waterlogging, lightning, torrential flooding, landslides and mudslides.

The rain will gradually weaken starting Wednesday, according to the NMC.