Post-monsoon rainfall deficiency drops to 40%

The two-day widespread precipitation across the state has brought down the post-monsoon rain deficiency since October 1 to 40 per cent less than normal. A few days back — before the snowfall and rain ahead of Christmas — the overall deficiency was over 90 per cent, with October and November going completely dry.

Having endured almost drought-like conditions for close to three months, the latest spell of precipitation has brought huge relief to farmers, especially in the lower parts of the state, apple growers, tourism and the power sector.

While the current precipitation spell, which caused light to moderate snowfall at higher altitudes and light to heavy rain at various places, is over, the Weather Department has issued forecast for light rain/snowfall at isolated places for January 2-3 and at a few places on January 4. The Weather Department has further said that a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from January 6.

Currently, as per SDMA officials, over 300 roads are blocked in various parts of the state due to snowfall and rain. Several power distribution transformers and water supply schemes also continue to be disrupted. From tomorrow onwards, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to continue till December 1 in low and mid hills and plains.

The maximum temperatures are likely to rise by 4-5 degree Celsius in many parts of the state during the next two days. Minimum temperatures are likely to fall over many parts of the state by 3-4 degree Celsius over the next three days.