Persistent downfalls that have wreaked havoc in south China will linger in next 10 days, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) predicted on Sunday.

A new round of heavy downpours will pelt parts of the provincial areas of Chongqing, Hubei, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hunan, Jiangxi and Zhejiang starting from Monday, the NMC forecast.

It advised residents in these regions to stay inside during heavy rain and guard against thunderstorms, gales and hail stones along the way.

The NMC also warned of possible geological hazards caused by the rain in Hubei and Jiangxi.