Srinagar, Jul 10: Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 24 per cent rainfall deficit in June, marking the eighth consecutive month of below-normal precipitation, despite witnessing frequent spells of light to moderate rain that improved the distribution of rainfall across the Union Territory, according to data.
According to details obtained, the Union Territory received 57.9 mm of rainfall against the normal 75.9 mm during June, extending a prolonged precipitation deficit that has persisted since November 2025.
Unlike previous deficit months, June witnessed recurring spells of rainfall spread across much of the month rather than one or two intense weather systems, making the rainfall pattern relatively more favourable for groundwater recharge and soil moisture, Kashmir Weather said.
“Although June ended with a 24 per cent rainfall deficit, the rainfall distribution was considerably better than in many previous deficit months. Frequent light to moderate showers allowed better infiltration of water into the soil, improved groundwater recharge and helped sustain springs, streams and rivers more effectively than isolated heavy rainfall events,” Kashmir Weather said.
According to the rainfall data, Baramulla recorded a 34 per cent surplus, followed by Poonch (37 per cent), Ganderbal (24 per cent), Samba (22 per cent), Pulwama (9 per cent) and Udhampur (6 per cent).
Among the deficit districts, Shopian recorded a 69 per cent shortfall, Kishtwar 70 per cent, Kulgam 53 per cent, Rajouri 51 per cent, Reasi 44 per cent, Kathua 39 per cent, Budgam 31 per cent, Srinagar 29 per cent, Bandipora 28 per cent, Doda 16 per cent, Anantnag 14 per cent, Ramban 13 per cent, Kupwara 7 per cent and Jammu 5 per cent.
In Ladakh, June concluded with a 126 per cent rainfall surplus, receiving 6.5 mm against the normal 2.9 mm. Leh recorded an exceptional 198 per cent surplus with 8.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 2.6 mm, while Kargil registered a 69 per cent deficit with 1.3 mm of rainfall against the normal 4 mm.
Kashmir Weather said that although the recurring rain spells brought some relief by improving soil moisture and supporting water resources, they were insufficient to erase the cumulative rainfall deficit.
“The continuation of an eight-month-long precipitation deficit remains a matter of concern, particularly for long-term water resources, agriculture and hydrological conditions if the trend persists,” it said.
The weather forecaster also noted that June witnessed a higher frequency of hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms, causing localised damage to orchards and agricultural fields in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)
