Pakistan Weather Authority Debunks Fake Forecast Of Extreme Cold Wave In January

KEY POINTS

No widespread record-breaking temperatures are predicted for Jan 16-25.
Current data indicates weather will remain within normal winter range.
Public is urged to rely only on official PMD advisories.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a rebuttal against widespread social media posts forecasting an extreme, record-breaking cold wave across Pakistan from January 16th to 25th.

The department, on Monday, categorically refuted the viral claims, stating they are ‘misleading and unverified.’ In an official clarification, the PMD asserted that no such historic or extreme cold spell is on the horizon for the cited period.

“According to the latest analysis of numerical weather prediction models and observational data, temperatures are within the normal winter range,” the PMD statement read. “There is no indication of widespread or persistent record-breaking conditions.”

The PMD urged the public and all stakeholders, including media and disaster management authorities, to rely exclusively on official forecasts, warnings, and advisories issued by the department. It cautioned against the dissemination of unverified information, which it stated ‘may cause unnecessary concern and public alarm.’

Current and forecasted synoptic situation

The PMD outlined the prevailing and expected weather patterns, noting that continental air is dominant over most of the country. A shallow westerly wave is currently affecting its upper regions.

Weather outlook for Monday

Mainly cold and dry weather is anticipated across most areas, with very cold conditions in hilly terrains of Pakistan. Upper parts may experience partly cloudy skies, with chances of light rain or light snow in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and adjoining areas. Moderate to dense fog is likely to persist over Punjab, upper Sindh, and the plain areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Weather outlook for Tuesday

The cold and dry pattern is expected to continue nationwide, remaining very cold in the hills. Moderate to dense fog is again forecast for Punjab, upper Sindh, and KP’s plains. Frost may occur at isolated places in the Potohar region and Kashmir during the morning hours.

Past 24-hour weather summary

The country experienced cold and dry weather, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Frost was observed in parts of Kashmir in the morning. Moderate to dense fog blanketed most districts of Punjab, upper Sindh, and the plain districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.