Regions around the epicenter of China's earthquake would have warmer weather in the next three days, the China Meteorological Administration said on Friday, urging the prevention of epidemics.

It forecast high temperatures of 25 to 29 degrees Celsius in the quake zone and called for intensified disinfecting measures.

There would be no strong precipitation but clouds could sometimes affect air rescue and relief work, it said.

It warned of higher possibilities of geological disasters in the epicenter, Wenchuan County, and in the nearby counties of Beichuan, Maoxian and Lixian during the day and evening Friday.

Local residents and rescue workers should pay attention to possible land slides and mud-rock flows caused by aftershocks and rain, said the administration.

Geological disasters were also likely to hit parts of western Yunnan Province, it said.

Torrential rain was forecast in north and northeast China, with thunder storms in Shandong Province and the southern part of north China.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2008)