J&K, Ladakh record massive winter rainfall deficit

Srinagar, Mar 2: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh recorded a significant rainfall deficit during the four-month winter period from November to February, with most districts witnessing large shortfalls compared to normal precipitation levels, according to official data.

For the November-February period, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 106.7 mm of rainfall against a normal of 320.1 mm, marking a 67 percent deficit and placing J&K in the large excess deficient rainfall category.

Ladakh received 8.3 mm against a normal of 16.8 mm, registering a 51 percent deficit during the same period and placing it in the excess deficient rainfall category.

The sharp shortfall across both regions reflects a largely dry winter season, traditionally crucial for snow accumulation and long-term water security.

The data reveals that both divisions of Jammu and Kashmir recorded steep deficits during the season placing both in the large excess deficient rainfall category.

The Kashmir division received 96.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 288.9 mm, registering a 67 percent deficit. The Jammu division recorded 117.8 mm against a normal of 347.2 mm, reflecting a 66 percent deficit.

The deficiency persisted through all the winter months.

In November, Jammu and Kashmir received 6.1 mm of rainfall against a normal of 35.2 mm, marking a deficit of about 83 percent.

December precipitation stood at 13.0 mm against 59.4 mm, reflecting a deficit of nearly 78 percent.

January recorded 73.4 mm against a normal of 95.1 mm, reducing the monthly deficit to around 23 percent.

February again saw a steep shortfall, with 14.2 mm recorded against a normal of 130.4 mm – a deficit of about 89 percent, making it the driest month.

In Ladakh, November rainfall was nil against a normal of 3.2 mm.

December recorded 0.7 mm against 2 mm.

January saw 5.6 mm against a normal of 4.3 mm, making it the only month with above-normal precipitation.

February recorded 2 mm against 7.3 mm, contributing to the overall 51 percent seasonal deficit.

In the Kashmir division, all districts reported substantial deficits during the four-month period.

Srinagar recorded 91.4 mm of rainfall against a normal of 270.2 mm, marking a 66 percent deficit.

Anantnag received 93.5 mm against 255.3 mm, a 63 percent deficit, while Budgam recorded 57.5 mm against 205.3 mm, reflecting a 72 percent shortfall.

Bandipora registered 93.1 mm against a normal of 250.9 mm, a 63 percent deficit, and Baramulla received 120.1 mm against 303 mm, marking a 60 percent deficit.

Ganderbal recorded 148.6 mm compared to a normal of 271.9 mm, a 45 percent deficit.

Kulgam and Shopian emerged among the worst-hit districts in the division.

Kulgam received 86.3 mm against a normal of 446.9 mm, reflecting an 81 percent deficit, while Shopian recorded only 34 mm against 197.9 mm, an 83 percent shortfall.

Kupwara registered 113.4 mm against 328.7 mm, marking a 66 percent deficit, and Pulwama received 76.7 mm against 158.3 mm, a 52 percent deficit.

In the Jammu division, the winter rainfall deficit was also pronounced across districts.

Jammu district recorded 74.6 mm of rainfall against a normal of 210.8 mm, marking a 65 percent deficit.

Doda received 191.7 mm against 409.9 mm, reflecting a 53 percent shortfall, while Kathua recorded 94.1 mm against 307 mm, a 69 percent deficit.

Kishtwar reported the highest deficit in the region, receiving just 36 mm against a normal of 409.9 mm, marking a 91 percent shortfall.

Poonch recorded 181.5 mm against 255.6 mm, reflecting a 29 percent deficit, the lowest in the division.

Rajouri received 123.5 mm against 236 mm, a 48 percent deficit. Ramban recorded 206.7 mm against a normal of 548bmm, marking a 62 percent deficit, while Reasi received 150 mm against 318 mm, a 53 percent shortfall.

Samba registered 94 mm against 136.5 mm, a 31 percent deficit. Udhampur recorded 118.8 mm of rainfall against a normal of 296 mm, marking a 60 percent deficit.

Ladakh Union Territory as a whole recorded 8.3 mm of rainfall during the November-February period against a normal of 16.8 mm, registering a 51 percent deficit.

Both districts, Leh and Kargil, reported deficient precipitation during the winter months.

Leh received 2.4 mm during the period compared to a seasonal average of 10.8 mm, marking a 78 percent deficit.

Kargil recorded 27.7 mm against a seasonal average of 36.3 mm, reflecting a 24 percent deficit.

“The winter closed with a sharp shortfall during the peak winter months, particularly in November, December, and February. This follows an already weak start to the season and could have implications for water availability, agriculture, and hydropower generation in the coming months,” a Meteorological Department official said.

He said the situation was being closely monitored as the region transitions into spring.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Keng said there was no major rain or snowfall activity throughout the winter in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Whatever precipitation occurred was towards the end of January,” he said. Keng said February remained largely dry, widening the winter rainfall deficit.  He said that the prolonged dry phase had accelerated seasonal snow depletion at lower and mid elevations. “The early blooming of trees, which usually occurs towards the end of March, under such conditions increases vulnerability to late frost events that could affect crop yields,” Keng said.