Influenced by a cold and humid airflow heading south, Beijing is experiencing welcome rains after a prolonged spell of drought, www.weather.com.cn reported on April 23.

People walk in the rain in Beijing on the morning of April 23, 2009. Influenced by the cold and humid airflow heading south, the capital is enjoying welcome rain after a prolonged spell of drought, according to www.weather.com.cn.

So far the average rainfall stands at 1 mm in urban areas and 1-8 mm in suburbs. The average temperature is expected to drop by 5-6 degrees centigrade peaking at only 15 degrees centigrade during the day.

The rainfall will help improve the soil moisture content for the growth of plants and for the air quality of the city. Meanwhile, meteorological department have cautioned the public to keep a close lookout for any possible accidents caused by the rain and strong winds in the coming days.