In the past several days the first regional severe torrential rain hit middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River since flood season in this year. The heavy rainfall raged from southwest China to middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River from June 25 to 30, which affected Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. The affected areas of severe torrential rain (above 100 mm) have been up to 175 thousand sq. km. The maximum rainfall has been up to 383 mm which occurred in Hefeng, Hubei Province. The heavy rainfall has caused flood and other induced disasters in some areas.

A forecast map for rainfall on June 29

A forecast map for rainfall on July 1

The Central Meteorological Office of China Meteorological Administration (CMA) forecasts that in the next three days there will be light to moderate rain or shower to affect most parts of Tibet Plateau, southwest China, eastern Shandong, southern Yangtze-Huaihe River valley, Yangtzt-Hanshui River valley, south of the Yangtze, and south China. Southern Tibet, western and southern Yunnan, Guizhou, western and northern Guangxi, southern Yangtze-Hanshui River valley, and south of the Yangtze are expected to see heavy rain or torrential rain. Severe torrential rain with severe convection is going to hit parts of southwestern Zhejiang, central Jiangxi, and northwestern Fujian.

(China Meteorological News Press July 1, 2009)