Himalaya region reel under drought like conditions after prolonged dry spell

By Staff Reporter

The Western Himalayan region is facing “drought-like conditions” as it has received almost no rainfall or snowfall since a brief weather spell on October 6, raising serious concerns over water availability, agriculture, and the winter tourism season.

Large parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have witnessed an unusually dry start to the winter, with prolonged absence of western disturbances, the primary source of winter precipitation in the region.

Meteorological experts note that this extended dry phase is “abnormal” for the season, which typically sees periodic rain and snowfall from October onwards.

The union territory including the Himalayan valley, owing to the dry spell, witnessed 85% deficit in rain or snowfall across the region. Officials and weather experts said that J&K witnessed just 6 mm of average rainfall against a normal precipitation of 43 mm from November 01 to December 09.

The lack of precipitation has begun to affect river flows and groundwater recharge, particularly in higher reaches where snowfall plays a crucial role in sustaining perennial rivers during summer months. Springs and small streams in several hill districts have reported reduced discharge, impacting drinking water supply in rural areas.

Apple growers and farmers cultivating rabi crops such as wheat and mustard are also expressing concern. Adequate winter moisture is critical for soil health and crop productivity, and the continued dry conditions could lead to lower yields if precipitation does not resume soon.

Tourism stakeholders, especially in popular hill destinations dependent on snowfall, fear that delayed or weak snow activity could dampen the winter tourism season. Snowfall is a major attraction during December and January, and its absence affects local livelihoods linked to hospitality and allied services.

Climate scientists point out that increasing variability in precipitation patterns, influenced by climate change, is making the Western Himalayan region more vulnerable to extreme weather events, including prolonged dry spells and sudden intense rainfall episodes.

Weather officials have indicated that close monitoring is underway, as any significant revival of western disturbances in the coming weeks will be crucial to ease the emerging drought-like situation and restore seasonal balance in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.