SRINAGAR: Despite frequent snowfall in the higher reaches over the last two weeks, Jammu and Kashmir continues to witness a significant rainfall deficit, with the local Meteorological Department (MeT) reporting that the deficiency has risen to 72 percent from October 1 to December 4.
MeT data indicates that against the normal precipitation of 70.5 mm, JK has recorded only 19.9 mm of rainfall during the last two months.
The data reveals that most weather stations across J&K recorded deficient rainfall ranging from 60 percent to 99 percent during this period.
Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recorded an 82 percent rainfall deficit, while Shopian in South Kashmir experienced the highest deficit at 96 percent.
Samba was the only station where rainfall exceeded normal levels. Against an average of 18.1 mm, Samba recorded 47 mm, an increase of 160 percent.
Kulgam, Budgam, and Poonch stations recorded rainfall deficits exceeding 90 percent, while Anantnag, Kishtwar, Pulwama, and Udhampur recorded deficits above 80 percent. Baramulla, Ganderbal, and Ramban recorded deficits exceeding 70 percent.
Meanwhile, Srinagar experienced the season’s coldest night at -41°C, with Shopian being the coldest place in Kashmir at -6.6°C.
Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, told KNO that the weather is likely to remain generally dry until December 7. He added that from the late evening of December 8 to the forenoon of December 9, light rain is expected over a few plains and hilly areas of the Jammu division, with light rain and snow over higher reaches in some parts of the Kashmir division.
Dr Ahmad said that certain areas in the Jammu division might experience thunderstorms with gusty winds on the evening and night of December 8.
From December 10 to December 14, the weather is expected to remain largely dry. However, December 15 and 16, isolated places might experience light rain and snow.
In its advisory, the MeT has urged tourists, travellers, and transporters to follow the administration and traffic advisories. — (KNO)
