Zhai Liang, chief forecaster at the Beijing Meteorological Service, said that warm and humid air from Dolphin's outer circulation, combined with cold air, is expected to bring heavy rain to the region from Tuesday through Thursday.

　　"Beijing is expected to receive the strongest rainfall from early Wednesday to Wednesday night," Zhai said, adding that red alerts for heavy rain have been issued in districts such as Fangshan, Daxing, Tongzhou and Mentougou.

　　On Monday, the National Meteorological Center continued to issue an orange alert for heavy rain, the second-highest warning level. Isolated areas in northern Hubei could receive 250 to 270 mm during the 24-hour period between Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon.

　　The Ministry of Emergency Management has activated a Level IV flood-control emergency response in Hebei, Henan, Hubei and Shandong amid rising risks of flooding and geological disasters over the next three days. China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most severe.

　　Local governments are being urged to closely monitor updated weather forecasts and strengthen preparations for flooding, landslides, mudslides and urban waterlogging, particularly in mountainous areas and along rivers.

　　The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Monday renewed a warning over the risk of farmland waterlogging. From Monday night through Saturday, parts of Henan could see exceptionally heavy rain, with a very high risk of farmland waterlogging. The prolonged rainfall could leave farmland saturated and affect crop growth.

　　Farmers are advised to clear drainage channels, as well as prepare pumps and other equipment and supplies in advance. After the rain, farmers should promptly drain excess water, improve soil aeration and moisture conditions, and use pesticides and fertilizers to help crops recover and resume their growth.