BEIJING, June 18 -- A blue alert for heavy rain remained in place for a third day in a row, China's meteorological authority announced on Wednesday.

Southern regions will see heavy rain or rainstorms over the next three days, with precipitation of up to 160 mm, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said.

Thunderstorms with gale and hail will hit northern areas with precipitation of 100 to 150 mm.

The NMC advised people in affected regions to suspend outdoor work and watch for waterlogging in farm fields and urban areas.

The center also warned of landslides and mudslides and reminded people to stay alert and take precautions.

China has a four-tier color-coded warning system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.