Srinagar, Mar 03: In Srinagar, the Meteorological Centre recorded just 5.3 mm of rainfall — the lowest for February since 1960, when 5.8 mm was observed. With records dating back to 1901, this places the capital city’s winter precipitation among the weakest in over a century.
The plains of Jammu painted an even starker picture. The city logged 0 mm rainfall through the month — only the second such occurrence since records began in 1925, the first being in 1945. For a region already prone to early heat build-up, the absence of winter rain raises concern over groundwater recharge and summer stress.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said the pattern reflects a large-scale seasonal disruption rather than a local anomaly. “When Srinagar drops to its lowest February rainfall since 1960, and Jammu simultaneously records a zero-rain month, it indicates a systemic failure of winter weather systems,” Arif said. “The spatial spread of deficits — from plains to high-altitude stations — shows this is not an isolated shortfall.”
Across north Kashmir, Kupwara recorded 17.7 mm, its lowest February rainfall since records began in 1977. At Gulmarg, 48.0 mm was measured — the lowest February total since 1985, a worrying signal for a snow-reliant tourism hub.
South Kashmir stations also registered historic or near-historic lows. Qazigund reported 13.0 mm — the lowest since 1963. Pahalgam’s 23.4 mm became its lowest February figure since 1979, narrowly undercutting its previous record. Kokernag recorded 13.0 mm, making it among its lowest February totals since 1978.
The Chenab Valley reflected similar stress. Banihal (8.4 mm) and Batote (18.8 mm) both recorded their lowest February rainfall since records began. Bhaderwah logged 49.0 mm — ranking among its three lowest February totals on record. Even the Shivalik foothill town of Katra reported 0 mm rainfall — its lowest February total since records began in 1981. Director Meteorological Centre Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, attributed the anomaly to weakened Western Disturbances.
“This season saw fewer and weaker Western Disturbances affecting the region,” Lotus said. “Such precipitation deficits during peak winter months directly influence snow reserves, river discharge patterns and spring recharge cycles.” Climate scientists at the University of Kashmir warned that consecutive weak winters could compound long-term vulnerability.
“February precipitation is critical for maintaining soil moisture and sustaining snow-fed streams,” a senior researcher noted. “When the capital records its lowest rainfall in over six decades, it signals a broader shift in seasonal stability.”
Experts at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir highlighted agricultural implications. “Reduced winter precipitation, coupled with rising temperatures, accelerates evapotranspiration and can stress orchards before the growing season even begins,” an agrometeorology expert said. “If March does not compensate, horticulture may face early-season pressure.”
With Srinagar touching a 66-year low and Jammu experiencing a rare zero-rain February, the month has underscored how delicately balanced Kashmir’s winter ecosystem has become — where even a single disrupted season can ripple across water, agriculture and summer climate outlook.
