Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Jan 18 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing an unusually dry winter, with official rainfall data showing one of the steepest seasonal deficits in recent years. From November 1, 2025, to January 17, 2026, the Union Territory received just 20.6 mm of precipitation against a normal average of 139.0 mm, amounting to an overall rainfall shortfall of 85 percent.
According to data shared by independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng, who runs the Weather Channel “Kashmir Weather,” as per news agency JKNS stated, all districts across the Kashmir Valley have reported severe to extremely severe rainfall deficits.
Srinagar recorded only 22.4 mm against a normal of 115.4 mm, reflecting an 81 percent shortfall. Budgam received 16.4 mm (80 percent deficit), while Ganderbal recorded 29.3 mm against 127.9 mm, marking a 77 percent deficit.
North Kashmir districts, which usually receive substantial winter precipitation, also remained far below normal levels. Bandipora recorded 56.9 mm (45 percent deficit), Baramulla 35.8 mm (72 percent deficit), and Kupwara received 72.2 mm against a normal of 141.6 mm, translating into a 49 percent shortfall.
The situation is particularly alarming in South Kashmir, where rainfall has been abnormally low. Kulgam recorded just 13.4 mm against a normal of 196.8 mm, registering a massive 93 percent deficit. Shopian received 9.0 mm (91 percent deficit), Pulwama 17.5 mm (77 percent deficit), and Anantnag recorded 22.6 mm, reflecting an 80 percent shortfall.
In the Jammu region, the rainfall collapse has been even more pronounced in several districts. Kathua recorded a mere 1.1 mm against a normal of 131.3 mm, a staggering 99 percent deficit. Doda (94 percent), Ramban (87 percent), Udhampur (94 percent), and Samba (98 percent) also witnessed negligible precipitation. Jammu district received only 8.6 mm against 94.7 mm, showing a 91 percent deficit. Poonch, though relatively better, still recorded a 42 percent shortfall.
At the Union Territory level, Jammu and Kashmir registered an overall rainfall deficit of 85 percent during the period, while Ladakh recorded a 77 percent deficit.
Faizan further noted that January has seen near-total rainfall failure. Between January 1 and January 17, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir received only 1.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 44.4 mm, amounting to an extraordinary 97 percent deficit.
Several districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, Doda, Ramban, Samba, and Udhampur, recorded zero rainfall during this period. Other districts such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Jammu received only trace amounts, with deficits ranging between 93 and 95 percent. Ladakh received 1.1 mm against a normal of 2.6 mm during the same period, recording a 56 percent deficit, while Leh alone witnessed a sharp 79 percent shortfall.
Weather experts have cautioned that the prolonged dry spell could have serious implications for water availability, agriculture, and horticulture sectors across the region. —(JKNS)
