China will see severe climatic conditions in 2017, with southern regions experiencing more rainfall and northern parts facing greater chances of drought, and the possibility of more typhoons, according to preliminary forecasts from the national meteorological authority on Wednesday.

With increasing global warming, China was hit by severe meteorological disasters, including major hailstorms last year, and the overall situation in 2017 will also be severe, said Liu Yaming, head of the China Meteorological Administration on Wednesday at the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the national legislature.

The preliminary forecasts were made in February, and a new forecast will be released on March 17, with greater detail, she said.

China has built a monitoring network covering ground, high altitude and space to collect comprehensive data, including 60,000 ground stations, she said.

Some 15 meteorological satellites have been launched, of which eight are in operation, Liu said, adding that they will strengthen the monitoring technologies and facilities to improve forecast services.

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