Most districts see over 90% shortfall
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Jan 17: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a near-total dry spell during the first fortnight of January this year, with rainfall across most districts plunging far below normal levels, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD’s seasonal rainfall data for the period January 1 to 14 showed that the J&K subdivision received just 1.4 mm of rainfall against a normal of 33.3 mm, recording a massive deficit of 96 per cent.
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Several districts witnessed either negligible or no rainfall at all.
Budgam, Doda, Ramban, Samba, Shopian, Srinagar and Udhampur recorded absolutely no precipitation during the period, resulting in a 100 per cent rainfall deficit.
Other districts, including Kulgam, Pulwama, Bandipora and Kishtwar, also reported deficits close to 99 per cent.
In the Kashmir valley, Anantnag received only 1.7 mm of rainfall against a normal of 24.5 mm, registering a deficit of 93 per cent.
Baramulla recorded 2.4 mm against 28.7 mm (-91%), while Kupwara received just 0.8 mm against a normal of 27.4 mm, marking a deficit of 97 per cent.
Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded zero rainfall against a normal of 25 mm.
The Jammu region showed a similar trend. Jammu city received only 1.9 mm of rainfall against a normal of 20.5 mm, registering a deficit of 91 per cent.
Kathua recorded 1.1 mm against 30.9 mm (-97%), while Reasi received 1.5 mm against a normal of 36 mm, reflecting a 96 per cent deficit.
Poonch and Rajouri were the only districts to receive relatively higher rainfall-8.3 mm and 7.7 mm respectively-but even these districts faced deficits exceeding 60 per cent.
In Ladakh, the usually arid Kargil district recorded 0.8 mm of rainfall against a normal of 1.6 mm, registering the lowest percentage deficit in the region at 50 per cent.
Leh received 0.4 mm against a normal of 1.4 mm, reflecting a deficit of 69 per cent.
Meteorologists said the data points to a widespread and intense dry spell, with most districts experiencing rainfall shortfalls of 90 per cent or more during what is typically a crucial winter precipitation period.
Experts have warned that the prolonged absence of winter rain and snowfall could have serious implications, including reduced water availability for spring irrigation, stress on horticulture and agriculture-particularly apple orchards and saffron cultivation-and poor recharge of rivers, springs and groundwater sources across the region.
However, Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said the situation was slightly better compared to last year and expressed hope of improvement in the coming days.
“So far in January, the rainfall deficit is around 90 per cent. Since October, during the post-monsoon period, the deficit has been about 50 per cent. Compared to last year, the situation is somewhat better,” he said.
Dr Ahmad added that a major precipitation spell is expected in the coming days. “Widespread rain and snowfall are likely across J&K, which should help reduce the deficit. We will have to see how much improvement it brings,” he said.
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