Kashmir’s rain deficit dips as July brings cool respite

Srinagar, Jul 17: After one of the hottest and driest Junes in nearly five decades, Kashmir has witnessed a dramatic weather shift with surplus rainfall bringing much-needed relief to the region.

Kashmir recorded 47.67 mm of rain in just over two weeks of July, reducing its annual rainfall deficit from 50 percent to 28 percent, officials said.

The rains have been especially welcomed by farmers and orchardists who were struggling under prolonged dry conditions and soaring temperatures last month.

Director of the Meteorological Department of Jammu and Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad, said, “With the onset of July, temperatures have dropped and intermittent rainfall has cooled the atmosphere. This has significantly contributed to reducing the deficit.”

The Jammu region also saw substantial monsoon activity, recording an average of 132.35 mm of rainfall between July 1 and 17.

Several districts, including Rajouri, Samba, Udhampur, and Poonch, received widespread rains, pushing the region into a slight overall surplus.

“This has not only compensated for earlier shortfalls but has also improved agricultural conditions,” Director of the Meteorological Department of J&K, Ahmad, said.

Meanwhile, Ladakh continues to remain rainfall-deficient.

The region has recorded just 4.4 mm of rainfall in July, a 15 percent deficit overall.

Kargil experienced a more significant shortfall, while Leh saw slightly below-normal precipitation.

Climatologist and Director of the MET Department in Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, attributed the rainfall pattern to moisture incursions from both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

“This pattern is seasonally typical. Fortunately, river and stream levels remain well within safe limits,” he said, ruling out any imminent risk of flooding.

The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides in isolated areas between July 16 and 17 and again from July 21 to 23. Scattered to widespread showers are also forecast between July 18 and 20.

“Residents in landslide-prone and mountainous areas should remain alert, avoid non-essential travel, and follow official advisories,” Ahmad said. “Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods and mudslides, particularly along vulnerable road stretches.”

Independent weather observer Faizan Arif said that Jammu and Kashmir received near-normal rainfall from June through mid-July, with most of the contribution coming from the Jammu region.

“The low-pressure system shifted toward J&K more than forecast models predicted, increasing rainfall across both regions,” he said.

Arif said that the recent July showers had helped Kashmir close much of its June deficit.

“With more rain expected, the outlook remains positive,” he said.