LAHORE: The Punjab chapter of the Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday dismissed circulating reports of an extreme cold wave in the province from January 16 to 25.
Read More: Severe cold alert issued across Punjab until january 16
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia clarified that there is no likelihood of heavy rainfall or snowfall in Lahore or other plains of Punjab. “The intensity of cold and foggy conditions will persist until January 18,” he said, adding that Murree and Galliyat may experience rain and snowfall on January 17 and 18.
He further explained that light rainfall is expected between January 21 and 22, which is likely to reduce smog and fog in the region. The official urged the public not to rely on social media forecasts, which he described as misleading and unverified.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) also refuted claims of record-breaking cold temperatures, confirming that winter conditions across the province remain within normal ranges. The Met Office warned that no extreme or historic cold wave is expected during the specified period.
Authorities advised citizens and stakeholders to rely solely on official updates from PDMA and PMD to avoid unnecessary panic. “Accurate forecasts and advisories will continue to be issued through official channels,” Kathia said.
The statement comes amid a surge of online speculation and rumors suggesting unusually low temperatures and extreme weather conditions, which authorities say are baseless. PDMA and PMD emphasized that winter weather remains typical for this time of year, with cold mornings, fog, and mild rainfall in hilly areas.
Read More: Fog reigns in Lahore, other cities: motorways closed at several places
Officials urged residents to stay updated through verified sources and continue routine precautions against normal winter weather, while ignoring unverified posts circulating on social media.