Srinagar, Jan 10 : Jammu and Kashmir experienced its driest year in five decades in 2024, with rainfall levels plunging to just 870.9 mm against the normal annual average of 1232.3 mm, Kashmir independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said on Friday.

This, he said, remarks a significant deficit of 29% during the year 2024 and marks the fifth consecutive year of below-normal precipitation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

A closer look at the rainfall trends over recent years highlights the alarming pattern as in 2023 recorded 1146.6 mm (7% deficit), 2022 witnessed 1040.4 mm (16% deficit), 2021 saw 892.5 mm (28% deficit) and 2020 experienced 982.2 mm (20% deficit).

With the 2024 figures nearing the previous low of 802.5 mm recorded in 1974, the region’s precipitation levels continue to dwindle.

According to Faizan’s statistics, in January 2024 the rainfall recorded a staggering 91% shortfall, while February and March saw deficits of 17% and 16%, respectively. Although April offered some respite with a 48% surplus, it was the only month to witness excess rainfall.

Deficits resumed from May onwards, with shortfalls of 67% in May, 38% in June, 36% in July, and 2% in August. The situation worsened toward the end of the year, with deficits of 41% in September, 74% in October, 69% in November, and 58% in December.

“The impact of such deficits is already visible in the form of reduced water availability for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking purposes, raising alarms for policymakers and residents alike”, he remarked.

“The declining rainfall over the years emphasizes the urgent need for climate adaptation measures and comprehensive water management strategies to mitigate the effects of prolonged dry spells in Jammu and Kashmir”, the forecaster added.

UNI