Srinagar, May 27 -- The rain, which began in the afternoon, followed days of persistent heatwave conditions. The rain was particularly intense in Srinagar and parts of south Kashmir, including Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian, and extended to Budgam and Baramulla districts where hailstorms caused considerable damage to crops, leaving many farmers distressed.

Commuters and pedestrians in Srinagar faced difficulty due to waterlogged roads and blocked drains, even as the showers brought a welcome drop in daytime heat. The hailstorm added to the chaos, damaging orchards and fields, especially in south and central Kashmir districts.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng said satellite data and model forecasts had already indicated the pos...