83% last week to 69% today: Fresh precipitation abates Kashmir's dry spell

February 26, 2025 by News Desk

The latest spell of precipitation has reduced Jammu Kashmir’s rainfall deficiency from 83 per cent last week to 69 per cent as of Wednesday.

Significant rainfall was recorded in Kargil, Ladakh, as well as Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Jammu division over the past week. Kargil, which had seen zero rainfall in the first 50 days of 2025, recorded 16.4 mm against a normal of 25 mm over the last 57 days. In Rajouri and Poonch, the precipitation deficit has dropped from over 70 per cent to 50 per cent, according to data accessed by KNO.

Overall, Jammu Kashmir received 65.8 mm of rainfall from January 1 to February 26, against a normal of 215.5 mm. Despite the improvement, many districts—including Srinagar—continue to experience severe deficiencies, ranging from 60 per cent to 84 per cent. Srinagar alone has recorded a 74 per cent deficit during this period.

The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain and snow over the next two days, which could further reduce the seasonal deficit. Yellow and orange alerts have been issued, predicting light to moderate rainfall until February 28.

Meanwhile, Kashmir has recorded its worst rainfall deficiency in eight years, with a 70 per cent shortfall between December 2024 and February 2025.