Authorities Warn of Prolonged Winter This Year

Authorities have warned that the winter season is likely to remain longer than usual this year, with cold conditions possibly continuing into early spring.

Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, said that severe cold started later this year, increasing the likelihood that winter will extend beyond its normal duration.

He stated that last year’s winter season was also longer than usual, and a similar pattern is expected this year.

He added that due to changing climatic patterns, cold weather may persist until early March or even April, with an increase in intensity expected after January 17–18.

Irfan Ali Kathia noted that temperatures this year are lower compared to last year; however, Punjab has received significantly less rainfall.

In December, the province recorded only 2.5 millimetres of rainfall, compared to 11.2 millimetres last year, reflecting a 75 percent decrease.

He said that dense fog remains a major challenge across Punjab, and weather conditions will not improve until rainfall occurs.

Addressing snowfall, the PDMA chief confirmed that there is no possibility of snowfall in Lahore during the current winter season. However, he said that rain and snowfall are expected in Murree and the Galiyat after January 17 and 18.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has rejected claims circulating on social media suggesting that a record-breaking or unusually severe cold wave will affect the country between January 16 and 25.

The PMD stated that misleading and unverified weather forecasts are being shared on social media platforms, which have no connection with official data.

The department advised the public and relevant institutions to rely only on official forecasts, warnings, and advisories issued by the PMD and avoid spreading unverified information to prevent unnecessary public concern.