March showers shrink rainfall deficit in J&K to 30%

Srinagar, Mar 16: The recent spell of precipitation has significantly reduced the rainfall deficit in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing further relief to water bodies and glaciers.

The deficit, which stood at 60 percent in early March, has now improved to around 30 percent, marking a substantial recovery.

The deficit had reached 83 percent in February, till the major wet spell in the last week of that month brought it down to 60 percent.

According to meteorologists, the rainfall deficit has notably decreased across all regions.

Kashmir now has a deficit of approximately 35 percent.

Jammu has seen an improvement, with the rainfall deficit reducing to 28 percent, particularly in the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley districts including Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Poonch.

Ladakh, after experiencing continuous rainfall and snowfall last week, no longer faces a rainfall deficit.

However, Leh, Nubra, and Eastern Ladakh remain in the small deficit category, with shortfalls of up to 30 percent.

From March 1 to March 12, J&K recorded 44.2 mm of rainfall, compared to a normal of 59.4 mm.

According to Meteorological Department officials, heavy rains on March 14 and 15 have pushed the total closer to 50 mm.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, meteorologist Sonam Lotus said, “Although the deficit remains, it is now categorised as small. We hope for more rain in March and April to further improve the situation.”

Experts believe the recent precipitation will help rejuvenate lakes, springs, streams, rivers, and glaciers across the region.

“Every drop of rainfall is precious. This spell will significantly contribute to replenishing water sources,” Lotus said.

He said it has also snowed in higher reaches, refreshing glaciers.

However, the long-term improvement will depend on additional rainfall in this month and April.

Director of the Meteorological Department in Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad said that this wet spell was widespread across south, north, and central Kashmir.

Weather experts predict an improvement in conditions starting March 17.

“Alternating dry and wet spells are part of natural climatic variations,” Lotus said. “We hope for significant rainfall in March and April to fully compensate for the deficit.”