October ends with severe rainfall deficit in J-K, Ladakh

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir recorded a significant rainfall deficit of 74% in October, while neighbouring Ladakh faced an even higher shortfall of 89%, according to data from independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather.

The region received only 8.7 mm of rainfall against a monthly normal of 33.1 mm, reflecting a concerning decrease in precipitation levels.

Rainfall deficits were most severe in southern Kashmir, where some areas recorded 95% to 100% below normal levels. Central Kashmir also experienced considerable shortages, ranging from -85% to -91%, with Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara seeing deficits of -90%, -91%, and -57%, respectively.

Jammu division faced similar trends, with Doda, Jammu, and Kathua districts registering deficits between -32% and -45%. All districts except Samba reported deficits between -50% and -97%, while Samba stood out as the only region with above-normal rainfall, recording a 250% surplus.

In Ladakh, Kargil experienced a complete absence of rainfall with a deficit of -100%, and Leh recorded an 88% deficit. The combined figures culminated in a staggering 89% rainfall deficit for Ladakh.

Kashmir Weather has forecasted dry conditions over the next 10 days, which is expected to further impact water levels in the region’s rivers and streams.