Heavy snow and rain hit northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China on Sunday, according to the regional observatory.

 

Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, reported 13.6 millimeters of precipitation from 3:00 p.m. on Saturday to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

 

The Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Ili reported continuous rainfall for 15 hours from Friday to Saturday and the temperature was 6 to 12 degrees (Celsius) higher than the average in previous years.

 

Floods as a result of melted ice and snow rushed through Ili as well. No casualties have been reported.

 

A cold front over northern China on Sunday was the cause of the heavy downpours, and it will continue to bring cold winds and temperatures to Xinjiang until Tuesday, according to the China Meteorological Administration on Sunday.

 

The temperature drop might freeze grazing pastures, according to the regional observatory.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2006)