Most parts of Kashmir received fresh snowfall on January 23, 2026, including the season’s first snow in Srinagar city, officials said. The snowfall forced the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and led to cancellation of more than 20 flights at Srinagar airport. Plainer areas saw light to moderate snow, while upper and higher regions experienced moderate to heavy snowfall. The city’s uptown areas got about two inches of snow, and the airport recorded three to four inches, disrupting flight operations. Airport officials said, "Over 20 flights have been cancelled so far due to bad weather. The runway is not available as of now and shall take at least four hours after snowfall stops." The Srinagar-Jammu highway was closed due to snowfall and rain along the route. The Mughal Road and Srinagar-Leh highway were also shut because of snow in Sonamarg and Zojila Axis. Authorities have set up control rooms and helplines for public assistance. The Meteorological Department forecast that snowfall and rains would continue until Friday evening. They warned of heavy rain or snow, gusty winds, or hail in Pir-Panjal range, Chenab valley, and south Kashmir. The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Trikuta hills also saw first snow, leading to suspension of the yatra. Moderate rain hit the plains including Jammu city, ending a dry spell lasting more than two months. Schools in Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua hills were closed as a safety measure. Police have issued helpline numbers at district headquarters to help people during bad weather.