BEIJING - China's meteorological authority issued a blue alert on Wednesday evening, as rainstorms are expected in the country's north and southwest.

Thunderstorms and strong wind are forecast to hit parts of Hebei, Liaoning, Beijing, Shanxi and Shaanxi from Wednesday night to Thursday morning, according to a statement posted on the website of the National Meteorological Center.

Parts of Guizhou, Sichuan, Gansu and Hainan provinces will face rainstorms over the next 24 hours, with precipitation up to 40 millimeters in some parts, the statement said.

The center suggested people reduce outdoor activities during the rainy days and take precautions against mud-rock flows, mountain floods and landslides.

China has a four-tier color-coded system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.