Srinagar, Apr 19: The fresh spell of rain significantly reduced the rainfall deficit across Jammu and Kashmir, offering much-needed relief to water bodies and glaciers in the region.
The overall rainfall deficit, which was 83 percent in February and stood at 60 percent by early March, has now improved to around 30 percent, marking a notable recovery.
The data provided by the Meteorological Department shows a considerable improvement across all regions.
Kashmir currently has a deficit of approximately 25 percent, while Jammu’s shortfall has dropped to 35 percent – especially in the Pir Panjal region’s Rajouri and Poonch districts and Chenab Valley’s Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts.
Ladakh, which received continuous rainfall and snowfall through March and April, no longer faces a significant rainfall deficit.
However, some areas like Leh, Nubra, and Eastern Ladakh still fall under the “small deficit” category, with shortfalls of up to 20 percent.
Between March 1 and April 17, Kashmir recorded 136.87 mm of rainfall against a normal of 194.3 mm.
However, according to officials from the Meteorological Department, with fresh precipitation of around 58 mm on April 18 and 19, the total rainfall has now approached 250 mm.
In comparison, Jammu recorded 82.74 mm of rainfall during the same period, against a normal of 200.44 mm.
Director of the Meteorological Department in Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that the recent wet spell was widespread, covering south, north, and central Kashmir.
“Although a deficit still exists, it is now categorised as small. We are hopeful of more rainfall this month to further ease the situation,” he said.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, meteorologist Sonam Lotus said that the recent rainfall made a good impact.
“Every drop of rain is precious. This spell will significantly contribute to replenishing water sources, including lakes, springs, streams, and rivers,” he said.
He said that the snowfall in the higher reaches has also helped refresh the glaciers.
