BEIJING - The National Meteorological Center (NMC) forecast Sunday that thunderstorms and showers will be frequent in China's northern regions over the next three days as it warns residents of lightening risks and travel safety.

Zong Zhiping, chief weather forecaster with the NMC, said the western and central parts in North China have frequently experienced showers while in some areas, quite heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms since the middle of the month.

Thunderstorms and downpours inundated the Chinese capital Beijing Saturday night, leaving nearly 100 flights delayed or canceled at the Beijing Capital International Airport.

According to the airport company, a total of 70 outbound flights were canceled or delayed as a result of the thunderstorms Sunday. It further issued an alert on its official website that due to the storms, some more flights, both outbound and inbound, could be delayed or canceled.