The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) dismissed on Thursday viral social media reports warning of an “extremely cold and record-breaking winter,” calling them scientifically unfounded and misleading.
In a statement issued by the National Weather Forecasting Centre, the PMD said its official Winter Outlook for December to February indicates near-normal to slightly below-normal rainfall, with temperatures expected to stay slightly above normal across most regions of the country.
The department clarified that while brief cold spells may occur due to passing western disturbances, there is no scientific evidence suggesting Pakistan will experience an unusually harsh or record-breaking cold season.
Explaining the broader climate context, the PMD noted that a weak to moderate La Niña phase currently persists over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Historically, such conditions have been linked to milder winters across South and Southwest Asia, as they reduce the intensity and frequency of western weather systems. This typically results in less rainfall and snowfall in northern highlands and warmer-than-usual temperatures across the plains of Punjab and Sindh.
“This ongoing La Niña event is likely to moderate the overall intensity of the upcoming winter season, contrary to unverified claims circulating online,” a PMD spokesperson said.
The department urged the public and media outlets to rely only on official forecasts issued through PMD’s verified channels and website, warning that unverified weather information can create unnecessary alarm and confusion.
The PMD said it would continue to issue scientifically sound, evidence-based, and timely forecasts in line with World Meteorological Organization standards to support national preparedness and socio-economic resilience.
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