The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has dismissed viral social media claims predicting widespread snowfall from Peshawar to Lahore and an “unprecedented” cold spell between January 16 and 25. Posts circulating online suggested record-breaking winter conditions, with some attributing the extreme cold to a so-called “polar vortex” extending into Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, influenced by a Siberian high-pressure system.
Viral reports included specific temperature projections, claiming snow in urban areas like Rawalpindi and Islamabad, minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C, and up to five inches of snow in Lahore with temperatures near -4°C. Some posts even compared the scenario to January 1964, describing it as a once-in-decades event.
PMD has rejected these claims, calling them misleading and unverified. The department clarified that no extreme or historic cold wave is expected during the January 16–25 period. Based on the latest numerical weather prediction models and observational data, temperatures are expected to remain within the normal winter range, with no evidence of persistent or record-breaking conditions.
The PMD urged the public and stakeholders to rely on official forecasts, warnings, and advisories, and avoid sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary alarm.
