Forecast calls for more frequent weather reports

As extreme weather events become more frequent, major cities across China are releasing short-term weather forecasts every six hours, instead of the previous 12 hours, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

"The new forecasts will include the highest and lowest temperatures, wind direction and accurate precipitation volume in the coming six hours," Xue Feng, deputy director of the open lab of the administration's weather forecast system, said on Sept 2.

He added the new weather forecasts will be released through Internet, radio, television, newspaper and mobile phones to let people access the latest weather information in a timely fashion.

According to the administration, each city will focus its forecasts according to its climate trends and will combine weather forecasts with important events such as exhibitions and tourism.

In Shanghai, the new forecasts include a sunstroke index to warn people of the heat.

"We will gradually expand the six-hour weather forecast to all the cities across the country, letting more people receive timely weather forecast services," Xue said.