SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an 81 percent rainfall deficit over the past three months, coinciding with a prolonged cold wave gripping the region.
From October 1 to December 25 2024, Jammu and Kashmir received only 21.0 mm of rainfall against the normal precipitation of 110.0 mm during this period.
According to data, Shopian in South Kashmir reported the highest deficit at 97 percent, followed by Poonch in Jammu division and Kulgam in South Kashmir with 96 percent and 95 percent deficits, respectively.
Srinagar, the summer capital of JK, recorded an 88 percent rainfall deficit during this time. Similarly, Udhampur in Jammu division registered a comparable shortfall over the past three months. Pulwama in South Kashmir and Kishtwar in Jammu division both recorded a deficit of 92 percent, while Budgam in Central Kashmir reported a 91 percent shortfall.
Kupwara in North Kashmir recorded a lower deficit of below 50 percent, receiving 69.6 mm of rainfall against the normal 133.7 mm for the period.
Samba was the only weather station across JK to record above-normal rainfall, with 47.0 mm received against a normal of 42.2 mm.
Anantnag in South Kashmir recorded an 89 percent rainfall deficit, while Bandipora and Baramulla registered 76 percent and 73 percent shortfalls, respectively.
Meanwhile, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 7.3°C, while Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, logged minus 6.6°C. Kupwara registered minus 6.4°C, and Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded minimum temperatures of minus 8.4°C and minus 6.6°C, respectively.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted generally cloudy weather from 27 to 28 December, with light rain in Jammu’s plains and light snow over the higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Department, saidd that dry weather is expected from December 29-31. However, light snow is forecast for isolated places on January, 1 and 2 with isolated to scattered snowfall anticipated on January 3 and 4.
