BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China's longest river, has seen lingering drought since September this year, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said Wednesday.
The precipitation in some regions of southern China was below 30 millimeters, 50 to 90 percent less compared with the historical records in September, said Zhang Zuqiang, an official with the CMA.
Meanwhile, the temperature in those regions was one to four degrees Celsius higher during the same period, Zhang said.
Affected by less rainfall and scorching weather, drought continues to prevail in southern China.
Provinces of Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Fujian, Henan and Yunnan have seen moderate and severe drought, while some parts of those provinces were even hit by excessive drought, according to the CMA.
Agricultural production and aquaculture in parts of Hubei and Jiangxi provinces would be affected by drought, said Zhang.
The CMA predicted that with less precipitation and higher temperatures in October, dought would continue and even further develop in some areas of southern China.
Experts have warned of the abnormal weather conditions in regions along the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River, and that areas hit by severe and excessive drought would expand, which deserves further attention.
