The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has officially rejected claims that the country will face its “coldest winter” this year. The clarification comes after widespread speculation on social media suggesting that Pakistan could experience record-breaking low temperatures in the coming months.
PMD issues clarification
In an official statement, a PMD spokesperson said there is no scientific evidence to support predictions of an extremely cold winter. “We urge the public not to believe unverified reports circulating online,” the spokesperson said. “Our forecasts indicate that temperatures this winter will remain within the normal range, with some regional variations.”
The department emphasized that accurate weather predictions rely on scientific data and global climate models, not unverified online claims. According to the PMD, the winter season may bring slightly below-average temperatures in some northern areas, but there is no sign of an exceptional or record-breaking cold wave across the country.
Normal winter pattern expected
PMD officials explained that weather patterns for the 2024–2025 winter season are expected to follow a typical trend. Northern areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience cold waves and snowfall as usual, while central and southern regions will see relatively mild winter conditions.
The spokesperson added that minor fluctuations in temperature are a normal part of seasonal weather changes and do not indicate any unusual or extreme trends. “Every winter brings cold waves to some areas, but that doesn’t mean it will be the coldest winter in history,” the spokesperson noted.
Social media misinformation
The PMD also warned the public about misinformation spreading on social media platforms. In recent weeks, posts and videos claiming an “unprecedented cold wave” in Pakistan have gained wide attention. Some of these posts even falsely linked the forecast to international weather agencies.
The PMD clarified that no credible national or international climate body has issued such warnings. “People should rely on official sources for weather updates,” the department stated. It encouraged citizens to follow PMD’s website and verified channels for accurate and timely information.
Climate trends and regional factors
Meteorologists say that while Pakistan does experience cold spells during the winter, extreme weather events are usually linked to specific climatic patterns such as La Niña or Arctic cold surges. At present, PMD data shows no signs of major anomalies that could trigger record-breaking cold temperatures this year.
The department also highlighted that climate change can influence seasonal weather patterns, but not every change signals an extreme event. “Weather forecasting involves careful monitoring of multiple factors — it is not based on assumptions or rumors,” officials explained.
PMD urges public to stay informed
In its advisory, the PMD urged the public to stay alert but avoid panic. It reassured citizens that the department would issue early warnings in case of any significant cold waves or extreme weather conditions.
“We will continue to update the public through our official channels,” the spokesperson said. “Winter will arrive as expected, but it will not be the coldest in Pakistan’s history.”
The PMD’s clarification aims to stop the spread of misinformation and ensure that people rely on credible, science-based forecasts to prepare for the upcoming season.