Heavy rainfall is forecast to hit southern China in 24 hours from 8:00 a.m. Sunday, alleviating the regions' continuous sweltering weather, the National Meteorological Center said Sunday.

Heavy rainfall is expected to sweep the southern areas of Zhejiang and Yunnan provinces, northern areas of Fujian Province, and southwestern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Local government departments in these regions were urged to prepare for emergencies and guard against landslides and mud-rock flows.

The northern part of Hebei Province, Yangtze River areas, and eastern and southern parts of Guizhou Province will receive moderate rain or shower, according to the center.

Central China's Hubei Province is forecast to turn to drizzle after twelve people were reported dead and one missing Saturday in a rainstorm lasting for three days.

(Xinhua News Agency August 30, 2009)