The new round of rain, likely the heaviest this year, is forecast to sweep the Shandong province from west to east from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday night, according to the?local meteorological authorities.

It is expected to alleviate the severe drought plaguing?the province, which has received little rainfall since May -- 72.5 percent less than average.

A total of 1.4 million hectares of crops in the province are still suffering from drought even though rain drenched the province last week, and?a total of 466,500 people and 52,600 head of livestock are suffering from drinking water shortages.