Snow to hit central, east China

Visitors walk on the Great Wall during snowfall in Beijing, Dec 12, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The central and eastern parts of China will see snow and rain over the next three days, although temperatures are likely to rise in parts of the affected areas, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) forecast Wednesday.

North China will experience strong snowfalls on Thursday, with 2 to 4 mm of snow expected in the cities of Beijing and Tianjin, as well as Hebei Province, according to a statement from the NMC.

The Chinese capital on Wednesday embraced the first light snow in December.

Drizzles will hit the southern parts of the Yellow and Huaihe River valleys, while parts of south China will see heavy rain, the statement said.

He Lifu, the NMC's chief meteorologist, said temperatures have started to return to average levels in recent years following a strong cold spell.

The traffic management bureau of the Ministry of Public Security initiated an emergency response on Wednesday for the severe weather, urging traffic police in affected areas to prevent major road accidents and traffic jams.

The bureau asked local police to enhance patrols and traffic controls, as well as coordinate with other agencies to remove ice and snow on roads in a timely manner.