J&K Rainfall Deficit Narrows as April Wet Spells Boost Season
Shortfall drops from 34% to around 17%
MeT forecasts rise in temperatures, intermittent light rain
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: A series of wet spells in April has brought significant relief to Jammu and Kashmir, improving the seasonal rainfall scenario and reducing the overall precipitation deficit to near-normal levels.
As per data from the Meteorological Department, the Union Territory recorded 151.1 mm of rainfall against the normal 179.9 mm between March 1 and April 8, bringing down the deficit to around 16–17 percent. This marks a notable improvement from the 34 percent shortfall recorded till the end of March, when dry conditions had prevailed across most parts of the region.
Director Meteorological Department Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said the recent back-to-back western disturbances have played a key role in improving rainfall.
“The frequent wet spells during early April have significantly improved the precipitation scenario across Jammu and Kashmir. The deficit, which was around 34 percent at the end of March, has now reduced to nearly 17 percent,” he said.
However, the rainfall distribution remains uneven across districts. Shopian has recorded the highest deficit at around 74 percent, receiving only 30.9 mm rainfall against the normal of 118.5 mm, making it the only station under the large deficit category.
In contrast, several districts have recorded normal to excess rainfall. Srinagar has witnessed near-normal precipitation with a deficit of around 17 percent, while Baramulla reported almost no shortfall. Ganderbal and Reasi have recorded marginally above-normal rainfall.
In the Jammu region, Samba has recorded a significant 85 percent excess rainfall, while Poonch and Rajouri have also registered above-normal precipitation during the period.
Meanwhile, districts including Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Pulwama, Ramban and Udhampur continue to face rainfall deficits ranging between 20 percent and 59 percent, indicating continued spatial variation.
Dr. Ahmad said that although the overall deficit has reduced, some areas still require close monitoring.
“While the overall rainfall scenario has improved, some districts are still witnessing moderate to large deficits. We are expecting more brief wet spells in the coming days, which may further reduce the shortfall,” he added.
Weather Forecast
The MeT Department has forecast partly to generally cloudy weather with brief spells of light rain at scattered places, mainly during late afternoon and evening hours over the next few days.
On April 12, there is a prediction of generally dry weather with the possibility of isolated light rain,
April 13–14, mostly dry weather, April 15: there will be generally dry with brief rain at isolated places
From April 16–17, cloudy with chances of light rain and thundershowers at scattered places is predicted while as from April 18–20: predominantly dry weather expected
A gradual rise in day temperatures is expected across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next five days.
“There will be a gradual increase in day temperatures at many places during the next five days. Farmers are advised to resume agricultural operations as weather conditions are becoming favourable,” Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said.
The recent spells have improved soil moisture and replenished water resources across the region, offering relief to the agriculture sector. However, experts underline that continued balanced rainfall in the coming weeks will be crucial for sustaining crops and ensuring water security across Jammu and Kashmir.
