PMD dismisses claims of extreme winter

Weather office says data shows moderate season ahead

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has dismissed claims of an extremely cold or record-breaking winter across Pakistan, stating that scientific data and climatic patterns do not support such forecasts.

The PMD said that meteorological instruments and sea-level conditions linked to La Nina clearly contraasually severe winter in Sindh or other parts of the country. From a technical perspective, the overall intensity of the winter season is expected to remain moderate.

In response to unverified reports and social media content, the PMD explained that winter forecasts for December to February are prepared using verified systems operated in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

These systems currently indicate that the country may witness slightly above-normal rainfall, while temperatures in most regions are likely to remain a little higher than average.

It added that ongoing oceanic and atmospheric assessments show the presence of a weak to moderate La Nina over the tropical Pacific Ocean, which typically suppresses the intensity of winter systems across Pakistan and South Asia.

As a result, western disturbances may not fully reach Pakistan, leading to reduced rainfall and snowfall in northern and western mountain areas, while only minor temperature changes are expected in Punjab and Sindh plains.

The PMD has advised citizens to rely solely on official forecasts available through its website and verified communication channels. It warned that spreading unverified weather claims could create unnecessary alarm and public confusion.