BEIJING: Widespread rainfall is expected to hit southern China in the coming days, the national observatory forecasted Friday. Heavy showers will lash parts of Chongqing, Hubei, Guizhou and Hunan on Friday, with some regions likely to receive up to 90 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said. Meanwhile, a fresh wave of cold air will sweep across the country from north to south, generating strong gales and lowering the temperature. From Saturday to Tuesday, strong winds are expected in parts of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and north China, the NMC said. The observatory has urged the public and local authorities to take necessary precautions against the upcoming weather changes and safety risks. – Agencies