Western disturbances fail to deliver, J&K records 34 Pc rainfall deficit in March
01/04/2026
Srinagar, Mar 31: Jammu and Kashmir ended March with a 34 per cent deficit in rainfall, as several western disturbances during the month failed to bring normal precipitation.
According to independent weather observer Faizan Arif, the union Territory received 100.7 mm of rainfall against a normal of 152.9 mm, placing the month in the "deficient" category. The summer capital Srinagar recorded 88.5 mm rainfall against a normal of 115.0 mm, marking a 23 per cent deficit, while the winter capital Jammu witnessed a sharper shortfall of 43 per cent, receiving 52.4 mm against 92.3 mm.
Across Kashmir Valley, several districts reported notable rainfall deficiencies. Anantnag recorded a deficit of 47 per cent, Budgam 44 per cent, Bandipora 35 per cent, Pulwama 25 per cent, and Kupwara 20 per cent, all remaining below normal levels.
The situation was more concerning in Kulgam with a 61 per cent deficit and Shopian with a 74 per cent deficit, where rainfall was drastically lower than expected for this time of year.
In the Jammu division, Kathua recorded a 62 per cent deficit, Udhampur 51 per cent, Doda 52 per cent, Ramban 38 per cent, Kishtwar 37 per cent, and Reasi 36 per cent, also reflecting a broader pattern of suppressed precipitation across the region.
However, not all districts followed the same trend. Poonch emerged as the wettest district, recording 207.3 mm rainfall, which is 26 per cent above normal, while Samba also reported excess rainfall ( 39 per cent). A few districts, including Baramulla (-13 per cent), Rajouri (-7 per cent), and Ganderbal( 10 per cent), remained close to normal.
Faizan said the frequency of Western Disturbances does not always translate into effective precipitation. Many of the systems were either fast-moving, moisture-deficient, or lacked proper alignment with local atmospheric conditions, limiting their rainfall potential.
"As the region transitions into April, the rainfall deficit in March may have implications for soil moisture, agriculture, and water availability, particularly in areas that witnessed large shortfalls," he said.
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