Heavy snows and rains hit northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China on Wednesday, according to the regional observatory.

The Tianshan Mountain area in eastern Xinjiang reported a maximum snowfall of 18 millimeters from 9 AM to 4 PM on Wednesday.

It is the first snowfall in the second half of this year in Xinjiang.

Meanwhile, the region received a maximum of 34.4 millimeters of rainfall, bringing landslides and floodings in some counties. So far, No casualties have been reported.

Local observatory issued warning of frost for Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The snow will bring winds and temperatures will drop to only 1 degree Celsius.

The drop in temperature might freeze the snow on pastures, making it difficult for livestock to find food, according to the regional observatory.

(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2007)