KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday dismissed widespread claims predicting an extremely cold winter in Pakistan, stating that both seasonal forecasts and observed meteorological data do not support such assertions.
The PMD said that unverified claims had circulated on social media, in print media, and on television talk shows ahead of the winter season 2025–26. However, these claims were neither backed by PMD’s Seasonal Winter Forecast for December to February nor by regional and global climate indicators.
According to the department, observational data recorded so far are fully consistent with PMD’s seasonal outlook for DJF 2025–26. The outlook developed using World Meteorological Organization (WMO) - supported regional and global climate prediction systems, projected near-normal to slightly below-normal rainfall, with temperatures expected to remain slightly above normal across most parts of the country.
The PMD reported that observations to date show overall below-normal rainfall, with only limited light to moderate precipitation in western and northwestern regions. Temperatures have remained predominantly above normal, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
A summary of December 2025 data shows Pakistan received 10.3mm of rainfall against a normal of 15.8mm, reflecting a 34.8 percent deficit, while the national mean temperature stood at 13.8°C, which is 1.2°C above normal. Punjab recorded the largest rainfall shortfall at 73.2 percent below normal, while Sindh saw rainfall 71.7 percent above its long-term average. Temperature anomalies remained positive across all regions.
The department emphasized that the evolving winter conditions remain in close agreement with its pre-season forecast and clearly do not indicate extreme winter conditions.
The PMD advised the public and all stakeholders to rely on its official products for accurate, timely, and scientifically validated weather and climate information.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026