Southern China has experienced an early onset of spring this year, with temperatures across the country remaining above seasonal averages, according to a senior official from the National Climate Center.

Gao Rong, deputy head of the center, said large parts of the South experienced an earlier onset of spring compared with typical years. "Areas along the Yangtze River basin and northern parts of South China entered the season about 10 to 20 days earlier than usual, while some locations saw spring arrive more than 20 days ahead of the historical average," Gao said.

From March 1 to 31, China's average temperature was 1.2 C above the long-term average for the same period. Some places, such as western Sichuan province and central Inner Mongolia autonomous region saw temperatures running 2 to 4 C above normal.

The warming trend will continue through the middle and latter parts of the spring season until May, he said.

Meanwhile, northern China will likely experience three rounds of cold air in April. As cold fronts move through, temperatures in the North may fluctuate significantly.

Southern regions are expected to see more rainfall and convective weather. Some areas in the South could experience heavy to torrential rain, accompanied by severe weather such as thunderstorms or strong winds.

This month, precipitation in much of central and eastern China is projected to exceed typical levels for the season, he added.