J-K Breaks Rainfall Records: Excess precipitation hits 24%, highest in May

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir recorded an excess rainfall of 24 percent in the month of May as against the normal precipitation of 77.5 percent, the Union Territory recorded 96.3 mm of rainfall last month.

According to the data available from the news agency KNO, the highest excess precipitation was recorded in Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts of Jammu division where 260 percent, 147 percent and 105 percent rainfall was recorded in the month of May.

In Kashmir, the highest rainfall in the month of May was recorded in Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Srinagar where 41 percent, 39 percent, 36 percent and 24 percent excess rainfall was recorded respectively in the last month.

The last month’s (May) rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir is higher than the similar months of the previous two years as according to the data shared by an independent weather forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng, the Union Territory has recorded below-normal rainfall in the month of May in 2021 and 2022.

As per the data, J&K recorded 26 percent below normal rainfall in May 2021 as against the average figure of 77.5 mm, only 61 mm of rainfall was recorded in the month. The data further reads that in the similar month in 2022, J&K recorded 28 percent below-normal rainfall at 59.6 mm.

Therefore, compared to the previous two years, J&K has recorded the highest rainfall in the month of May since 2021 as against the average rainfall of 77.5 mm, the Union Territory has recorded 96.3 mm rainfall.

Moreover, the data prepared by the Meteorological department reads that Jammu & Kashmir has recorded normal rainfall from March 01, 2023 to May 05, 2023.

According to the data, a deficiency of only 9 percent rainfall was recorded during the period as against the average rainfall of 329.8 mm, the UT has recorded 298.8 mm rainfall. The lowest rainfall during the season was recorded in Kathua, Kishtwar, Kupwara, Shopian and Budgam district.

According to the data, Kishtwar has recorded a deficient rainfall of 44 percent while Kathua recorded 39 deficient rainfall followed by 29 percent in Budgam, 28 percent in Shopian and 25 percent in Kupwara district. Srinagar has recorded only one percent deficient rainfall during the season.

According to the details available, the first half of the season was completely dry while the second half recorded excess rainfall.

Meanwhile, on the first day of June, several parts of Kashmir including Srinagar continued to receive intermittent rainfall while the occasional sunshine was also witnessed in the Valley.

The Meteorological department here has predicted a wet spell till June 3 and informed that the weather would remain mainly dry from June 4 till June 10 as there is no forecast of any major spell.

“There is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain, thunder, lightning in many places tomorrow,” Director Meteorological department said, adding that there is a possibility of hailstorms and gusty winds at a few places as well.

“On June 3, rain and thunderstorm in isolated to scattered places towards late afternoon and evening are also expected,” he said, adding that there is no forecast of any major rainfall till June 10.

He also said that the weather would remain mainly dry from June 4 to June 10, but added that a spell of showers or thunderstorms can’t be ruled out.

The Director MeT advised farmers to carry out all the farm operations from June 4 and also stated that rain or snow may lead to temporary disruption of traffic over vulnerable places and advised all the concerned to remain cautious and alert.