ISLAMABAD: Authorities have issued a warning that this year’s winter season may last longer than usual, with cold conditions potentially continuing into early spring.
Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), explained that the onset of severe cold weather was delayed this year, increasing the chances that winter will extend beyond its typical duration.
He mentioned that last year’s winter also lasted longer than expected, and a similar pattern is anticipated this year. Due to shifting climatic patterns, cold weather could persist until early March or even into April, with temperatures expected to drop further after January 17–18.
Kathia noted that this winter has seen lower temperatures compared to last year, although rainfall in Punjab has been significantly less. In December, the province received only 2.5 millimeters of rain, a sharp drop from 11.2 millimeters in the previous year, reflecting a 75 percent decrease.
Dense fog remains a significant challenge across the region, with conditions expected to persist until more rainfall occurs. While snowfall is unlikely in Lahore this winter, Kathia confirmed that rain and snow are expected in Murree and the Galiyat areas after January 17 and 18.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has addressed circulating rumors on social media suggesting an unusually severe cold wave between January 16 and 25. The PMD has dismissed these claims as unverified and advised the public to rely only on official weather forecasts to avoid unnecessary alarm.
