Srinagar, Sep 1 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its sixth wettest August since records began in 1901, with rainfall far exceeding normal levels across most districts.
The Union Territory received 319.3 mm of rainfall during the month against the average of 184.9 mm, registering a 73 percent surplus.
According to Kashmir Weather, an independent weather forecaster, August 2025 stands out in historical records for its heavy rainfall. The highest August rainfall in J&K was in 1996 at 481.3 mm, followed by 345.8 mm in 1908, 343.0 mm in 2013, 336.5 mm in 1994, and 331.0 mm in 1955.
The rainfall distribution this year showed sharp variations across regions. Districts in Jammu recorded some of the steepest departures. Doda led the chart with a 290 percent surplus, logging 488.2 mm against the normal 125.1 mm. Udhampur followed with 897.9 mm, a 159 percent surplus. Ramban received 286.2 mm, 133 percent above average, and Samba logged 720.5 mm, 126 percent more than normal. Other districts also saw significant excess rainfall—Reasi (64%), Jammu (53%), Kathua (45%), Rajouri (42%), Kishtwar (21%), and Poonch (17%).
In contrast, the Kashmir Valley showed a more mixed trend. Some districts, including Anantnag (35%), Pulwama (18%), Kulgam (13%), and Srinagar (15%), reported above-normal rainfall.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHowever, several northern districts faced deficits—Kupwara (-23%), Bandipora (-20%), Ganderbal (-17%), Baramulla (-2%), and Budgam (-1%). Shopian recorded the sharpest reported shortfall at -69 percent, though data is still being verified.
Ladakh witnessed an exceptional departure from normal rainfall. Kargil received 32.6 mm against the usual 2 mm, translating to a 1,530 percent surplus. Leh recorded 54.7 mm against 5.6 mm, marking an 877 percent surplus. Overall, Ladakh Union Territory logged 49.5 mm against a normal of 4.8 mm, an extraordinary 930 percent rise.
The unusual distribution has raised concerns over the impacts of extreme weather, with southern districts of Jammu receiving excessive downpours, while parts of north Kashmir faced below-average rainfall. Experts note that such patterns are increasingly consistent with wider climatic shifts in the Himalayan region.
Officials are expected to carry out detailed assessments of crop damage, infrastructure stress, and potential flood risks arising from the exceptional rainfall departures recorded in August.(KNS).