KUNMING -- A severe drought is affecting Southwest China's Yunnan province, with swathes of crops damaged.

Bad meteorological conditions have brought much less precipitation in Yunnan. As of Tuesday, 273,280 hectares of crops had been affected, with 91,160 hectares suffering damage.

Drought has been reported in 110 monitored sites in Yunnan, meteorological authorities said. The northwest, middle and south of Yunnan are in severe drought.

Authorities are ready to begin artificial rain, with 3,642 staff for man-made precipitation already on standby. Government authorities have sent experts to help with drought-relief efforts.

The drought is likely to continue, as the next few days will remain hot and dry, according to the provincial meteorological administration.