Srinagar, August 13, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a significant turnaround in rainfall patterns during July 2026, recording 35 per cent surplus precipitation after eight consecutive months of below-normal rainfall.
According to rainfall data compiled by an independent weather forecaster, the Union Territory received 259.7 mm of rainfall in July, against the normal average of 192.6 mm, resulting in a surplus of 35 per cent.
The July figures mark a notable shift from the prolonged period of rainfall deficiency recorded across Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir Valley Sees Widespread Surplus
The improvement was particularly strong across most districts of the Kashmir Valley. All districts except Shopian recorded above-normal rainfall during July.
Baramulla recorded the highest surplus in the Valley at 165 per cent, followed by Ganderbal at 110 per cent and Pulwama at 108 per cent.
Other major surpluses included:
- Srinagar: 71%
- Anantnag: 71%
- Kulgam: 51%
- Bandipora: 33%
- Kupwara: 32%
- Budgam: 6%
Shopian was the only Kashmir district to remain deficient, recording a 40 per cent rainfall deficit.
Jammu Region Records Strong Rainfall
Several districts in the Jammu region also witnessed substantial rainfall surpluses.
Ramban recorded the highest surplus at 125 per cent, followed by Udhampur at 108 per cent, Samba at 91 per cent and Rajouri at 88 per cent.
Meanwhile:
- Poonch: 47% surplus
- Doda: 17% surplus
- Reasi: 14% surplus
- Jammu: 3% surplus
However, rainfall remained below normal in Kathua, which recorded a 25 per cent deficit, and Kishtwar, which recorded a 16 per cent deficit.
July Rainfall Brings Major Turnaround
The widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir during July was sufficient to push the Union Territory into an overall 35 per cent surplus, despite rainfall deficiencies persisting in a handful of districts.
The sharp improvement comes after months of below-normal precipitation and represents a significant change in the region’s rainfall pattern heading into the latter part of the monsoon season.
