Jammu and Kashmir shivers under a severe rainfall deficit this January, with precipitation levels plummeting to under 4% of average. The 96% shortage has painted a picture of drought-like conditions amid freezing temperatures that refuse to relent.
Across the Union Territory, weather stations report dismal figures: Kupwara at 1.8 mm versus 55 mm normal, and Anantnag barely scraping 3 mm. Daytime highs struggle to cross 5°C, while nights bring temperatures down to minus 7°C in many areas, fostering thick fog and reduced visibility.
Meteorologists link this to the absence of snow-bearing western disturbances, a staple of J&K winters. ‘High-pressure systems over Central Asia are blocking the usual moisture flow,’ says weather expert Sonam Lotus.
Agriculture bears the brunt, with standing crops vulnerable to frost without the insulating snow layer. The Horticulture Department has issued advisories for protective measures like mulching and windbreaks. ‘This could mean 20-30% losses in key crops if conditions persist,’ warned an official.
Dal Lake and other water bodies show receding levels, impacting tourism and fisheries. Power generation from projects like Baglihar is down 15%, leading to scheduled outages.
Communities are adapting: locals use traditional ‘kangris’ more fervently, and animal husbandry departments distribute fodder amid scarce grazing. Disaster management teams are on high alert for avalanches in vulnerable zones despite low snow.
As global warming alters seasonal rhythms, this dry winter serves as a wake-up call. Policymakers discuss bolstering rainwater harvesting and crop insurance to mitigate future risks. For now, J&K endures, hoping for a turnaround before February arrives.