A new cold front has swept across large parts of China, sending temperatures down. The cold weather is heading in a southward direction, bringing rain to areas stretching from the Northeast, to the country's eastern coast.

Beijing saw its first rainfall of the year on Tuesday, with nearly 2 millimetres falling in most parts of the city.

Large parts of southern China are expected to be hit by thunderstorms. Beijing saw its first rainfall of the year on Tuesday, with nearly 2 millimetres falling in most parts of the city.

The National Meteorological Center says the cold front will last until Thursday. The country's agricultural experts say the rain will increase moisture in the soil, which will be good news for the upcoming growing season.