BEIJING - Heavy rains will sweep China's northern regions and the Sichuan Basin over the next three days, while South China will see high temperatures, weather authorities forecast Friday.

The eastern and central parts of North China will see heavy rain and rainstorms from Friday to Sunday, the National Meteorological Center said.

During the period, downpours are expected to hit the Sichuan Basin, northern parts of Shaanxi province and central areas in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, with precipitation in some areas expected to reach 120 mm, the center said.

Meanwhile, a persistent heat wave will continue to scorch regions south of the Yangtze River, with temperatures reaching up to 37 Celsius during the period, the center said.