Climate emergency: J&K records 79% deficit rainfall this year

Srinagar, Feb 14:  Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a 79 percent rainfall deficit this year so far.

Kathua tops the list with 97 percent deficiency from January 1 to February 12, 2025.

J&K has recorded a deficit rainfall of 79 percent as against the normal precipitation of 140 mm, the rainfall of just 29.8 was recorded during the period.

As per the data, Jammu has recorded a deficit rainfall of 94 percent, while Udhampur and Samba districts have recorded a deficiency of 92 percent each.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has recorded a deficit rainfall of 82 percent during the period, while seven other places, including Shopian, Reasi, Ramban, Kulgam, Doda, Budgam, and Anantnag, have recorded a deficiency in between 80 to 89 percent.

Pulwama, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla districts have a deficiency of between 70 and 79 percent during the period, according to the data. Four districts, including Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Ganderbal, have recorded 60 to  69 percent deficiency.

All the districts across the Union Territory have been categorized in large deficiency, the data reveals.

Meanwhile, the weatherman here has predicted dry weather conditions till tomorrow.

Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that on February 16, the weather would remain partly to generally cloudy, with light rain and snow expected at isolated higher reaches of north & central Kashmir, mainly towards evening and night.

On February 17-18, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with the possibility of a brief spell of light rain and snow at isolated higher reaches, he said, adding that nothing significant is expected till February 18.

On February 19 and 20, generally, cloudy weather is expected with the possibility of light rain and snow at scattered places during the 19th night and late night to 20th afternoon, Dr Ahmad said, adding that partly cloudy with a possibility of light rain and snow is expected at isolated places on February 21 and 22. (With KNO inputs)