BEIJING - Rainstorms will sweep most of Central and East China, lowering temperatures by four to eight degrees Celsius from Tuesday to Friday, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said on Monday.    

Rainfalls and downpours are likely to hit areas to the south of the Yellow and Huaihe rivers, parts to the south of the Yangtze River, and South China. Some regions will experience thunderstorms, strong winds and hail.

The NMC forecast that winds may bring sandstorms to parts of Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia and Xinjiang. Rain is expected to hit North and Northeast China.