A top official from the China Meteorological Administration is calling for early preparations for a difficult summer season with severe flooding and drought.

During a nationally televised conference on climate forecasting Monday, the head of China's weather service, Qin Dahe, said the country "may face a grim situation with seasonal floods and drought this year with potential damage worse than last year."

Qin said two massive rain belts are predicted for the months of June to August that will impact the area between the Yangtze River and the mid- to upper reaches of the Yellow River.