J&K records 86% rain deficit as dry spell deepens
Srinagar, Dec 10: As Jammu and Kashmir continues to experience a prolonged dry spell, the rainfall deficit has sharply increased to around 86 percent, with no significant precipitation recorded amid dwindling water levels in water bodies and a rising risk of forest fires.
According to data compiled by the Meteorological Department (MeT), Jammu and Kashmir has received only 6.1 mm of rainfall between November 1 and December 9, against a normal average of 43.1 mm for this period.
This translates to a steep 86 percent deficiency – 82.6 percent in Jammu division and 82.1 percent in Kashmir division, marking one of the driest early winter phases in recent years.
The deficit in the summer capital Srinagar stood at 83.3 percent, while in the winter capital Jammu it was 71.5 percent.
Other districts in Kashmir also showed major shortfalls, with Kulgam and Shopian recording the highest deficits at 90.5 percent each, followed by Ganderbal at 88 percent; Baramulla, 87.7 percent; Bandipora, 81.5 percent; Budgam, 77.5 percent; Kupwara, 77.4 percent; Anantnag, 75.5 percent; and Pulwama, 60.7 percent.
In Jammu division, the deficit was highest in Kathua and Kishtwar at 100 percent each, followed by Rajouri at 93.5 percent; Poonch, 90.4 percent; Doda, 90.2 percent; Samba, 88.0 percent; Udhampur, 83.1 percent; Ramban, 72.9 percent; and Reasi, 31.2 percent.
The prolonged dryness has started impacting the region’s water bodies.
The water level of the River Jhelum at Sangam has dipped to -0.59 feet, slipping below the zero-gauge level.
The tributaries – including the Vaishaw in Khudwani, which originates from Kausarnag-Aharbal in Kulgam and serves as a major feeder to the Jhelum; the Brengi in Kokernag; the Sandran and Veth-Vethastu in Verinag; the Aaripal in Tral; and the Tongri and Romshi nallahs in Pulwama are also flowing well below normal levels and even dried up in stretches.
The dry spell has already begun affecting day-to-day life, with several areas reporting a drinking water crisis.
With no significant rain or snowfall expected in the next week, the river is likely to recede further.
Meteorologists said that the persistent dry weather has also led to a surge in forest fires across several vulnerable zones in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The combination of dry vegetation, lack of moisture, and increased surface heating has created conditions favourable for fire outbreaks,” independent weather forecaster Faizan Ahmad said.
Experts say the continued precipitation deficit, if prolonged, could have far-reaching impacts on agriculture, water storage, winter snowfall accumulation and overall ecological balance in the region.
With meteorologists saying the cold wave across J&K and Ladakh is likely to intensify in the coming days as no major weather system is expected to bring immediate relief, the rain deficit is expected to deepen further, and water bodies may continue drying up.
