Srinagar, Mar 10: The prolonged dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir ended on Tuesday as several higher-altitude areas in the Valley received snowfall, while the plains experienced rainfall, officials said.
Gurez in north Kashmir and the Sonamarg-Zojila axis in central Kashmir reported overnight snowfall, while rain showers continued over the plains, including Srinagar, till the morning hours. This precipitation brought relief after the region recorded its seventh consecutive winter rainfall deficit this year.
The core winter months from December 2025 to February 2026 saw a significant 65% shortfall in precipitation, with only 100.6 mm of rainfall received against the normal 284.9 mm. December recorded 13 mm against the normal 59.4 mm (78% deficit), January had 73.4 mm versus 95.1 mm (23% deficit), and February saw a mere 14.2 mm compared to 130.4 mm (89% deficit).
Meteorological officials forecast generally cloudy conditions across the Valley with moderate rainfall or snowfall in higher reaches at isolated places through Wednesday. Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag may experience moderate snowfall in the coming days, they added.