Observatory predictions show the storm will strengthen to typhoon level and could move to within 400km of the city on Thursday.

Weather will also be mainly fine and very hot across southern China over next couple of days, forecaster says.

Observatory predictions show the storm will strengthen to typhoon level and could move to within 400km of the city on Thursday.

City expected to experience heavy downpours, violent storms on Thursday amid ‘obvious changes’ over later this week.

Forecaster will assess the need to issue higher warning signals later on Wednesday to early Thursday.

Under the influence of Podul, it will be very hot over Guangdong, with heat-triggered showers set to affect the city later on Wednesday, forecaster says.