BEIJING - Rain and snow will sweep most parts of China's southern regions over the next few days, the country's meteorological authority forecast on Monday.

From Tuesday, light to moderate snow will be seen in some regions along the Yangtze River, while sleet will fall in the central and western parts of Guizhou Province and the south of Hunan Province, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said.

This round of rain and snow will last until Saturday, according to the center.

The NMC warned local authorities in affected regions to make full preparations for the icy weather, including properly allocating resources for emergency response, clearing ice and snow off roads and other facilities, as well as ensuring the supply of daily necessities.