BEIJING, Aug. 2 -- China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a blue alert, the lowest-level weather warning, for rainstorms on Wednesday morning.

From 8 a.m. Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday, heavy downpours and rainstorms are forecast in Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Hainan and the country's Taiwan island, according to the NMC.

Some parts of these regions are expected to experience heavy rainfall, with maximum hourly precipitation surpassing 60 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms, gales and hails.

Local governments have been urged to make proper preparations and fulfill their responsibilities accordingly.

Schools and kindergartens should take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of students and children, according to the center.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.