Rain and hailstorm in North India

Amritsar/Doda/New Delhi, Jan 7 (ANI): Northern India experienced a sudden spell of rain and hailstorm, which sent cold shivers across the entire region on Friday.

In Amritsar city, the pleasant weather was welcomed by the tourists who has come for a visit at the Golden Temple.

"We came here for paying obeisance and for the first time we have witnessed this marvel, that all of a sudden it has begun raining so heavily. Along with the rain, there was a hailstorm. It seemed as if we are in Shimla or Dalhousie," said Inderpal, a devotee.

Jammu and Kashmir received fresh bout of snowfall in mountainous districts of Jammu region including Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Reasi.

These regions witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall, while rain hit the plains.he minimum temperature was 0.8 degree in Srinagar.

The snowfall caused an appreciable rise in the minimum temperatures.

The local residents in Doda District were relieved to find break from the recent severe cold wave conditions that have existed for nearly a month.

A local resident Riyaz Ahmed noted that the snowfall would also help in combating the water scarcity issue plaguing the region.

"Today after three years, snowfall has begun. It remains to be seen how much would it snow over the night and till the morning. More the snow, the better it will make the summer season for the people of Doda, as the water scarcity is reduced with the help of snow in Doda," said Riyaz Ahmed.

Meanwhile, downpour and hailstorm also hit the national capital on Friday evening.

The maximum temperature plunged four degrees below normal to 16.9 degrees Celsius in New Delhi, while the minimum temperature shot five degrees above normal at 12.4 degrees Celsius.

Several posh colonies in south Delhi, including South Extension, Gulmohar Park, Lodhi Road, Saket and Moti Bagh, witnessed heavy downpour, with residents in certain areas also reporting of hailstorm.

According to Meteorological department western disturbance over the western Himalayan region has caused cloudiness over northwest and adjoining central India. (ANI)