BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Light to strong rain will fall in most of China's northern and southeastern regions and smog will cover the country's central part over the next two days, the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Torrential rain will hit Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi and Anhui with rainfall of up to 65 mm expected in some areas. Eastern areas, including regions along the yellow and huai rivers will also see light to moderate rainfall, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, medium snow and sleet will fall in some northern and northeastern areas including Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with heavy snow forecast for some areas.

Light to moderate smog will shroud central China, the NMC said. Enditem