Heavy to torrential rains are expected to hit the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers this weekend, according to the meteorology division under the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

The wet weather will continue until July 10, said experts from the division.

From Saturday to Sunday, medium to heavy rains will affect the northern part of Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, the eastern part of Hubei Province, and Chongqing municipality. The southern areas of Anhui and Jiangsu provinces will suffer torrential rains.

Over the past two days, most of the Huaihe valley area experienced drizzle to medium rain while heavy to torrential rains hit the central part of Jiangsu Province and the southwest of Anhui Province.

Since June 21, the Huaihe River valley has been hit by continuous rainstorms and torrential rains. The rise of the water level of the river prompted the decision to open the sluice gates at several sections to divert floodwater.

(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2003)