Record spring chill threatens planting in S. China

Beijing (CNS) -- Southern China has been experiencing continuous cold and rainy weather since the arrival of spring, and at least 10 more gloomy and humid days are expected in most parts of this region, meteorological experts predicted on Monday at a press conference held by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

Agricultural sectors were also reminded about the negative impacts of wet and chilly weather on the spring round of seeding.

The average national temperature decreased by 1.4 degrees Celsius in the closing days of March compared to the same period last year, and this was most evident in the southern part, said CMA spokesman Chen Zhenlin.

The average number of rainy days since January has hit 41.5 in eight southern provincial administrative regions: Shanghai, Zhejiang, Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi, resetting the record. Of those, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Guizhou have suffered the most, especially in terms of agricultural production.

Cold-proofing and anti-freezing measures have been called for to mitigate agricultural damage.