Heavy rain pelts many parts of China

More extreme weather for China over the last few days. Heavy rain is causing floods and traffic chaos in many parts of the country.

People use a board to block water at the door of a shop on the flooded Weiming Road in Cangzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, July 5, 2008. Heavy rainfall hit Cangzhou on Saturday. (Xinhua/Fu Xinchun)

Over 95% of the flights at Beijing's Capital International Airport were delayed or cancelled on Friday. The heaviest rainstorm in the city so far this summer also flooded the airport expressway and a major subway line.

Most of the passengers trapped at airport terminals managed to have their flights rescheduled. They were also offered free accommodation and food.

In neighboring Tianjin, the drizzld turned into a torrential downpour around midnight on Friday, causing flight delays.

Officials say the peak season has begun for students going back home. But the rain hasn't affected their journey so far.

Officials also say the rain has cooled down many parts of the country which have been experiencing searing temperatures in the past few days.

In Qin Huangdao in north China's Hebei province, rainfall reached nearly 30 millimeters Friday night. Local officials have issued lightning warnings for the coming days.

In east China's Shandong province, the average rainfall also reached nearly 20 millimeters.

The National Meteorological Center says more rain is expected for northern and parts of southwestern China in the next few days.