Jammu and Kashmir meteorological department (MeT), Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have received rainfall that is 26.7% above the average from June 1 to July 13. This period saw a precipitation of 171.4 mm, compared to the normal rainfall of 135.2 mm during the same timeframe. Both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions experienced above-normal rainfall. In Jammu division, the average rainfall of 235.6 mm was 23.7% higher than the normal of 190.5 mm, while in Kashmir Valley, the average rainfall of 107.2 mm was 34.1% above the usual 80 mm.
In the second week of July, the region faced a flood-like situation due to heavy rainfall for two days. The water level of river Jhelum in Kashmir exceeded the flood alert levels in south Kashmir and Srinagar following the intermittent rains from July 7. Specifically, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Doda, Kathua, and Ramban received 60% more rainfall than normal between June 1 and July 13, while Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Poonch saw excess precipitation ranging from 20% to 59%. Budgam, Kupwara, Shopian, Rajouri, Reasi, Samba, and Udhampur districts recorded normal rainfall.
Last year, Jammu and Kashmir received normal rainfall during the monsoon season after two years of deficit rainfall. In 2019, the Kashmir valley experienced 270 mm of average rainfall, a 6% increase from the normal of 254 mm, while the Jammu division received 886 mm, a 7% increase from the normal 826 mm.
It is worth noting that Kashmir receives 70% of its precipitation from western disturbances and moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean. The region typically experiences snowfall in January and February, while March and April are the wettest months with over 100 mm of rainfall each. The average annual rainfall in J&K ranges between 700 and 750 mm.
According to the MeT, there is no forecast of major rainfall in J&K until July 25. From July 15 to 18, intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at scattered places, followed by a similar weather pattern from July 19 to 25. Overall, no significant rainfall is predicted until July 25.
