Jammu and Kashmir is in the grip of an unusually long dry spell, with the region recording an 86 percent rainfall deficit between November 1 and December 9, according to data from the Meteorological Department.
According to a report from Srinagar, the Union Territory has received just 6.1 mm of rainfall during this period, against the normal average of 43.1 mm, marking one of the driest starts to winter in recent years. The deficit stands at 82.6 percent in the Jammu division and 82.1 percent in the Kashmir division.
District-level data shows widespread shortfalls. In Kashmir, Kulgam and Shopian recorded the highest deficits at 90.5 percent, followed by Ganderbal (88%), Baramulla (87.7%), Bandipora (81.5%), Budgam (77.5%), Kupwara (77.4%), Anantnag (75.5%), and Pulwama (60.7%).
Srinagar alone reported a deficit of 83.3 percent.
In Jammu division, Kathua and Kishtwar posted a full 100 percent deficit. Other districts also reported sharp shortfalls, including Rajouri (93.5%), Poonch (90.4%), Doda (90.2%), Samba (88%), Udhampur (83.1%), Ramban (72.9%), and Reasi (31.2%).
Jammu district recorded a 71.5 percent deficit.
The extended dry weather has begun affecting water bodies across the region. The water level of the Jhelum at Sangam has fallen to –0.59 feet, slipping below the zero-gauge mark. Tributaries such as the Vaishaw, Brengi, Sandran, Veth-Vethastu, Aaripal, Tongri, and Romshi are flowing well below normal, with some sections drying up completely.
Several areas are already reporting drinking water shortages, and the situation is expected to worsen if the dry spell continues. The lack of moisture has also contributed to a rise in forest fire incidents, particularly in vulnerable zones.
