The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a circular on Thursday, urging its branches across the country to provide updated forecasts for snow and rain.

Meteorological departments at all levels should try to improve short- and medium-term forecasts for snow, rain, frost and storms and alert local governments, relevant organizations and the public via phone, text messages, e-mail and other methods, according to the circular.

All departments should be fully prepared to deal with extreme-weather emergencies and help the public to prepare for such situations.

They should be able to give accurate and comprehensive appraisals of severe snow and rain and provide local governments at all levels with advice for decision-making.

"Meteorological departments should also pay attention to the drought in north China and areas along the Yellow and Huaihe rivers and provide forecasts for anti-drought campaigns in those grain production bases," said Jiao Meiyan, deputy-director of the CMA.

Heavy snow and rain, the worst in five decades, hit southern China in January and February 2008, resulting in deaths, structural collapses, blackouts, accidents, transport problems and livestock and crop losses in 19 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

At least 100 million people were affected and at least 60 died.

(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2009)