SRINAGAR, Feb 20: After an extended dry spell lasting 50 days, Kashmir Valley finally experienced rainfall on Thursday, with snow recorded in the higher regions.
Residents across Kashmir expressed their relief and joy as they awoke to the sound of rain, a welcome change after such a prolonged period without it.
The dry conditions had caused numerous springs to dry up and resulted in an 80% drop in hydroelectric power generation.
Due to the insufficient snowfall, authorities decided to postpone the ‘Khelo India 2025’ winter games that were set to take place in the ski resort of Gulmarg.
According to MET Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad, “Today’s precipitation has ended the lengthy dry stretch. We can expect increased water flow in rivers and streams in the upcoming days, and if the current weather patterns continue, Jammu and Kashmir may receive more rain and snow from February 26 to February 28, with a high likelihood based on the latest forecasts.”
Locals had been hoping for rain, as they believed it would revive the now-dry perennial springs and alleviate the low water discharge affecting many areas.
Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg recorded minus 2.8 degrees and Pahalgam saw 1.2 degrees Celsius. In Jammu city, the minimum temperature was 11.9 degrees Celsius, with Katra at 9 degrees, Batote at 3.7 degrees, Banihal at 2.4 degrees, and Bhaderwah at 4.4 degrees Celsius.
Typically, heavy snowfall during the winter months replenishes the water reservoirs in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that rivers, streams, springs, lakes, and other water bodies remain sustained throughout the hot summer months.
A lack of snowfall can lead to severe water shortages in the summer, causing significant challenges for residents.
