As weather improves, NH444 reopens, flights resume in Valley

SRINAGAR — The weather in Jammu and Kashmir showed noteworthy improvement from Saturday late evening following heavy snowfall in various parts of the region. This change allowed the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to reopen and flight operations to resume.

According to the details from the news agency JKNS, the recent wet spell raised minimum temperatures across the region, with Srinagar recording -0.2°C.

Meanwhile, Gulmarg and Sonamarg experienced severe cold, with temperatures plummeting to -8.5°C and -10.8°C, respectively.

Similarly, the Meteorological Department has forecasted dry weather until December 31, with a cold wave likely to affect isolated areas on December 30 and 31.

“Erratic weather, including rain and snowfall, is expected between January 4 and 6. The intensity of the weather system will become clearer in the coming days,” said the MeT official.

Meanwhile, traffic officials said the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was reopened early in the morning.

“Passenger traffic is moving smoothly, but commuters are advised to follow lane discipline. Overtaking could cause congestion, and caution is necessary as the road is slippery between Banihal and Qazigund,” said the official, adding the Mughal Road, Sinthan Road, Sonamarg-Kargil Road and Bhaderwah-Chamba Road remain closed due to heavy snow accumulation.

Notably, flight operations at Srinagar International Airport resumed this morning, with the first Air India flight landing successfully, and other flights for the day are scheduled on time, while the train services also resumed. However, Vistadome services remain cancelled for the day.