After experiencing overcast skies for days, Beijing finally got what it needed: Bursts of rain fell yesterday afternoon.

The inclement weather was just what the doctor ordered for the city's drought conditions, but it dampened the hopes for many people that fair weather would prevail during the 7-day-long May Day holidays.

But if the public can lower its expectations just a little, things won't be that bad, said Guo Hu, director of the Beijing Municipal Observatory.

Guo is giving a "genial" prediction for the holiday period, saying that after consultations with the Beijing-based Central Observatory that the city will probably have two rainy days while the rest of holiday will be sunny or overcast. Temperatures will range between 10 to 25 ℃. The rest of the holiday will be a great time for traveling and other outdoor activities.

However, Guo reminded people of a noticeably big difference between daytime temperatures and those at night, saying it is necessary for people to pay special attention to staying warm.

Residents in other parts of north China will have a couple of windy and dusty days before the weather turns clear, sunny or overcast on May 3, according to a forecast of the Central Observatory.

As for the country's southern parts, residents will see a May Day holiday with drizzle from time to time, accompanied by a plunge in temperatures.

Officials say it is not a bad idea for those with travel plans during May Day to bring umbrellas and thicker clothes than usual, especially if plans include journeys to areas in north China, eastern parts of northwest China and the region to the south of the Yangtze River. Temperature in these areas can plunge as much as 8 ℃, mainly as a result of continuing rainfall.

(China Daily April 30, 2004)