Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with an unusually dry January, recording less than 4% of its normal rainfall. Meteorological data reveals a staggering 96% rainfall deficit this month, exacerbating concerns over water scarcity and agricultural losses in the region.
Temperatures have plummeted well below freezing across the valley, with night-time lows dipping to minus 5°C in Srinagar and even lower in higher altitudes. This extreme cold, combined with the absence of precipitation, has led to crisp, clear skies but heightened risks of frost damage to crops and infrastructure.
Experts attribute the unusual weather pattern to shifting atmospheric conditions influenced by larger climatic phenomena like La Niña. ‘The lack of western disturbances, which typically bring moisture-laden clouds to the region during winter, has resulted in this prolonged dry spell,’ explained Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, a senior meteorologist at the Srinagar weather office.
The implications are far-reaching. Farmers in the Kashmir Valley, who rely on winter precipitation for soil moisture and Rabi crop cultivation, are facing significant challenges. ‘Without adequate snow or rain, our fields will suffer come spring,’ said Ghulam Nabi, a local apple orchard owner from Sopore.
Water levels in key reservoirs like Dachigam and Sindh have noticeably dropped, raising alarms for hydroelectric power generation and drinking water supply in urban areas. Authorities have urged citizens to conserve water and prepare for potential shortages.
As the month progresses, forecasts indicate continued dry conditions with no immediate relief in sight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts sub-zero temperatures persisting through the weekend, advising residents to take necessary precautions against the biting cold.
This weather anomaly underscores the growing unpredictability of winters in the Himalayan region, prompting calls for enhanced climate resilience measures from both government and community levels.