Jammu and Kashmir concluded March 2026 on a significantly dry note, recording an overall rainfall deficit of 34 percent despite the passage of several active western disturbances during the month.
According to the data provided by Kashmir's independent weather analyst 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 shortfall was evident across both capitals. Srinagar recorded 88.5 mm rainfall against a normal of 115.0 mm, marking a 23 percent deficit, while Jammu witnessed a sharper decline of 43 percent, receiving just 52.4 mm compared to the normal 92.3 mm.
Across Kashmir Valley, multiple districts reported below-normal precipitation. Anantnag (-47%), Budgam (-44%), Bandipora (-35%), Pulwama (-25%), and Kupwara (-20%) all recorded deficits. The situation was particularly severe in Kulgam (-61%) and Shopian (-74%), where rainfall dropped drastically.
A similar pattern emerged in the Jammu division, with Kathua (-62%), Udhampur (-51%), Doda (-52%), Ramban (-38%), Kishtwar (-37%), and Reasi (-36%) reporting significant shortfalls.
However, rainfall distribution remained uneven. Poonch stood out as the wettest district, recording 207.3 mm rainfall—26 percent above normal—while Samba also reported excess rainfall (+39%). A few districts, including Baramulla (-13%), Rajouri (-7%), and Ganderbal (+10%), remained near normal levels.
Arif noted that the presence of frequent western disturbances does not necessarily guarantee effective precipitation. Many systems during March were fast-moving, moisture-deficient, or lacked proper alignment with local atmospheric conditions, limiting their rainfall potential.
As the region enters April, the rainfall deficit is likely to have implications for soil moisture, agriculture, and water availability, particularly in districts that recorded large shortfalls.
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