JK News Today
Srinagar, Jan. 18: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an exceptionally dry winter, with rainfall figures pointing to one of the sharpest seasonal deficits in recent years. Data from November 1, 2025 to January 17, 2026 shows that the Union Territory has recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 85%. The UT received only 20.6 mm of rainfall against a normal of 139.0 mm.
District-wise Rainfall Situation: November 1 to January 17
In Kashmir Valley, all districts recorded severe to extremely severe rainfall deficits. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded 22.4 mm against a normal of 115.4 mm, a deficit of 81%. Budgam reported 16.4 mm (–80%), and Ganderbal registered 29.3 mm against a normal of 127.9 mm, reflecting a 77% shortfall.
North Kashmir districts, traditionally wetter during winter, also remained well below normal. Bandipora recorded 56.9 mm (–45%), Baramulla 35.8 mm (–72%), and Kupwara 72.2 mm against a normal of 141.6 mm, translating to a 49% deficit.
The situation is most alarming in south Kashmir, where precipitation has been abnormally low. Kulgam received just 13.4 mm against a normal of 196.8 mm, marking a 93% deficit. Shopian recorded 9.0 mm (–91%), while Pulwama saw 17.5 mm (–77%), and Anantnag received 22.6 mm (–80%).
In Jammu region, the rainfall collapse has been even more pronounced in several districts. Kathua recorded 1.1 mm against a normal of 131.3 mm, a staggering 99% deficit. Doda (–94%), Ramban (–87%), Udhampur (–94%), and Samba (–98%) have seen negligible rainfall. Jammu district itself recorded 8.6 mm against 94.7 mm, a deficit of 91%. Only Poonch (–42%) showed comparatively lesser deficit, though still well below normal levels.
At the Union Territory level, Jammu and Kashmir recorded an 85% rainfall deficit, while Ladakh registered a 77% deficit for the same period.
January Brings Near-Total Collapse of Rainfall
The dry trend has intensified sharply in January. From January 1 to January 17, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir received just 1.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 44.4 mm, translating into an extraordinary 97% deficit.
Several districts recorded zero rainfall during this period, including Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, Doda, Ramban, Samba, and Udhampur. Other districts such as Anantnag (–95%), Baramulla (–93%), Kupwara (–93%), and Jammu (–94%) received only trace amounts.
In Ladakh, rainfall between January 1 and 17 stood at 1.1 mm against a normal of 2.6 mm, a 56% deficit, while Leh recorded a sharp 79% shortfall.
Report Insights: Faizan Arif, Kashmir Weather
