2024: J&K records lowest rainfall in 50 years

Jammu : Jammu and Kashmir has experienced its driest year in five decades in 2024, with rainfall level plunging to just 870.9 mm against the normal annual average of 1232.3 mm, a significant deficit of 29 percent. This marks the fifth consecutive year of below normal precipitation in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Reports said that rainfall trend over recent years’ highlights the alarming pattern with 1146.6 mm (7 percent deficit) recorded in 2023; 1040.4 mm (16 percent deficit) in 2022; 892.5 mm (28 percent deficit) in 2021; and 982.2 mm (20 percent deficit) in 2020. With the 2024 figures marking the previous low of 802.5 mm recorded in 1974, the regions’ precipitation levels continue to dwindle. The monthly data for 2024 reveals the severity of the deficit. January 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 deficit is already visible in the form of reduced water availability for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking purposes, raising alarms for policymakers and residents alike. 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, experts said.