BEIJING - China's top meteorological authority has forecast that heavy rain or storms will hit most parts of Beijing and the northern provinces of Hebei, Shaanxi, and Shanxi on Saturday.

Parts of the Chinese capital have begun seeing heavy rain in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the southern part of Chongqing municipality in southwest China, and the central part of Hebei province will experience heavy storms on Saturday. Maximum rainfall in these regions is expected to hit 140 mm, according to the forecast by the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

Beijing's meteorological authority also issued a warning early in the morning against storms and thunder and provided a safety alert to residents.

The NMC forecast that heavy rain will sweep across north China over the next three days; meanwhile, temperatures will drop by as much as eight degrees.

The heaviest downpour in six decades hit the Chinese capital on July 21, killing 79 people and destroying roads, homes and power supply facilities.