Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an exceptionally dry winter, with data showing one of the sharpest seasonal rainfall deficits in recent years.
According to independent weatherman Faizan Aif, between November 1, 2025 and January 17, 2026, the region recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 85 percent, receiving only 20.6 mm of precipitation against a normal of 139.0 mm.
In the Kashmir Valley, all districts reported severe to extremely severe rainfall deficits during the period. Srinagar recorded 22.4 mm of rainfall against a normal of 115.4 mm, reflecting an 81 percent shortfall. Budgam received 16.4 mm, nearly 80 percent below normal, while Ganderbal recorded 29.3 mm against a normal of 127.9 mm, marking a deficit of 77 percent.
“North Kashmir districts also remained well below normal levels,” Faizan said. Bandipora recorded 56.9 mm of rainfall, a deficit of 45 percent, while Baramulla received 35.8 mm, reflecting a 72 percent shortfall. Kupwara registered 72.2 mm against a normal of 141.6 mm, a deficit of 49 percent.
The rainfall situation was most severe in south Kashmir. Kulgam recorded just 13.4 mm against a normal of 196.8 mm, a deficit of 93 percent. Shopian received 9.0 mm, while Pulwama and Anantnag recorded 17.5 mm and 22.6 mm respectively, all showing deficits exceeding 75 percent.
In the Jammu region, several districts reported negligible rainfall. Kathua recorded 1.1 mm against a normal of 131.3 mm, amounting to a 99 percent deficit. Doda and Udhampur recorded deficits of 94 percent each, while Ramban reported an 87 percent shortfall. Samba recorded a 98 percent deficit. Jammu district received 8.6 mm against a normal of 94.7 mm, a deficit of 91 percent. Poonch recorded a comparatively lower deficit of 42 percent.
Overall, Jammu and Kashmir recorded an 85 percent rainfall deficit during the period, while Ladakh registered a 77 percent shortfall.
The dry conditions intensified further in January. From January 1 to January 17, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir received only 1.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 44.4 mm, resulting in a deficit of 97 percent. Several districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, Doda, Ramban, Samba, and Udhampur, recorded zero rainfall during this period.
Other districts received only trace amounts. Anantnag recorded a 95 percent deficit, while Baramulla and Kupwara reported deficits of 93 percent each. Jammu district recorded a 94 percent shortfall during the same period.
In Ladakh, rainfall between January 1 and 17 stood at 1.1 mm against a normal of 2.6 mm, a deficit of 56 percent, while Leh recorded a shortfall of 79 percent.
