The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday said that, according to the latest numerical analysis of weather data, temperatures in the coming days will stay within the “normal winter range,” dismissing reports claiming an “extreme cold wave” expected from January 16 to 25.

In a rebuttal issued today, the PMD said, “Certain social media platforms are circulating misleading and unverified forecasts claiming an extreme cold wave across Pakistan during the period from Jan 16-25 with record-breaking temperatures in the country.”

The weather body dismissed the reports of extreme weather, stating that “No such extreme or historic cold wave is expected during the mentioned period”.

“According to the latest analysis of numerical weather prediction models and observational data, temperatures are within the normal winter range, with no indication of widespread or persistent record-breaking conditions,” PMD said.

It urged the public to rely on official forecasts, warnings and advisories issued by the PMD.

Separately, Weather Updates PK, an independent weather agency, took to X and said that the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) “has been indicating a large and rare weather scenario since yesterday” — a polar vortex disruption.

A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles, according to the US National Weather Service.

ECMWF is a service that provides global numerical weather predictions.

It said the forecast had drawn attention on social media, with some platforms claiming that “due to severe Arctic cold winds, record-breaking negative temperature anomalies could be observed in southern Pakistan, including Karachi and its surroundings.”

Weather Updates PK clarified that the forecast made by ECMWF was “long range“ and subject to “change with each passing day”.

The weather body said that no other weather models had yet confirmed the forecast, stating that it was “not right to take it seriously”.

It further added: “However, it is true that a western disturbance is expected between January 18 and 20 […] usually, every western system is followed by a cold wave; however, there is no final confirmation about its intensity yet”.