N China to expect rainstorms and possible floods

Rainstorms are expected to hit the northwestern region within the next week, and may trigger floods and other geological disasters, meteorologists said on Thursday.

"Local governments in Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu and Sichuan should prepare for the coming rainstorms," Chen Zhenlin, a spokesman for the China Meteorological Administration, said at a news conference on Thursday, adding that water levels in Songhua River are still high.

According to the administration, parts of northern China has seen more rainfall over the last decade

"Statistics and analyses show the summer rain belt in China is moving toward the northern regions," said Li Weijing, a climate scientist.

A typhoon is expected to hit areas in southern China, including Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, on Thursday evening.

Wang Xiuwen, chief forecaster for the China Meteorological Administration, warned authorities in the coastal provinces and regions to prepare for September, when two typhoons are expected to land in the country.