Storm alert in Beijing

Beijing, July 17: A storm is likely to hit Beijing, authorities said on Friday.

Fangshan and Mentougou districts have raised their alerts to the highest level of red, after heavy downpours since Thursday night, reports Xinhua.

Beijing uses a four-tier colour-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe weather, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

Officials with the city's water bureau said they are draining water from submerged roads in urban areas.

Beijing baked under temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius from Saturday to Monday. The rain is expected to last for three days, said meteorological authorities on Friday.

IANS