PMD dismisses reports of extreme cold spell, says temperature to remain within normal winter range

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has rejected reports about extreme cold spell in the country from January 16 to 25, saying temperature will stay within the normal winter range in the days ahead.

The weather department dismissed social media reports claiming that the country would face an “extreme cold wave” between January 16 and 25.

In a clarification, the PMD said that misleading and unverified weather predictions are being shared online, falsely warning of record-breaking cold across Pakistan during that period.

The department made it clear that no such rare cold spell is expected, adding that current projections do not point to prolonged extreme temperatures.

The PMD urged people to ignore unofficial claims and rely only on weather forecasts, advisories and alerts issued through official channels.

Meanwhile, an independent weather platform said on X that data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) indicated the possibility of an unusual weather pattern linked to a disruption in the polar vortex.

The polar vortex refers to a large system of low pressure and cold air that circulates around the Earth’s poles.

The ECMWF, which provides global weather forecasts, said that its outlook had triggered speculation online.

Some social media users claimed that strong Arctic winds could lead to unusually low temperatures even in southern parts of Pakistan, including Karachi. However, official forecasters have so far not backed those claims.