J&K, LADAKH SEE DEFICIT RAIN, SNOW IN FEB

SRINAGAR: February saw a sharp decline in precipitation of rain and snow, not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu and Ladakh regions.

Meteorological officials after studying the data and pattern of the rain and snow in February said 66% to 90% deficit has been recorded in J&K and Ladakh this month.

MET director Sonum Lotus said all three regions — Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh — recorded deficit rain and snow in February. “J&K experienced 80% to 90% deficit, Kargil 53% and Leh 97%. We expect the month-end spell will slightly improve this shortfall.” He said in February, there was no major disturbance which affected the northern part of India due to which, J&K and Ladakh witnessed deficient rain and snow, though the region had experienced normal precipitation in December and January.

Lotus said the frequency of western disturbances was highest in January which resulted in ‘good’ snowfall. “This is not the first time we are witnessing such pattern. Last year too, we had witnessed heavy snowfall in November.”

He, however, said after analysis of snowfall data of three-four decades, a pattern emerged, which showed that either it’s dry or good snow.

Environmentalist and filmmaker Jalal Jeelani said heavy snow and rainfall or deficit rainfall is an indication that weather patterns have completely changed. “In J&K, we are witnessing effects of global warming. This year, we had frequent spells of snowfall in November, December and January, while February had been dry.”