The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain and snowfall in various parts of the country over the coming days, while dismissing rumors of an extreme or historic cold wave.
According to the Met Office, Islamabad is expected to remain cold with partly cloudy skies. Rain and snowfall are likely at isolated locations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In Balochistan, rain is expected at a few places including Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Kech, and Turbat, while most parts of the province may experience extremely cold temperatures along with rain and snowfall.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert warning of severe cold and possible snowfall in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, and the Potohar region. Authorities have cautioned that temperatures in Rawalpindi and Islamabad could drop to very low levels.
The Met Office has also predicted a countrywide western weather system between January 16 and 18, which may bring rain to western regions of Pakistan. Fog and cold conditions are expected to persist in the plains during this period.
Addressing viral social media claims, DG Met Irfan Virk clarified during a television interview that no unusual or historic cold wave is expected between January 16 and 25. He said cold weather will continue this week, but conditions will remain within normal seasonal limits.
The PMD further noted that rainfall next week may help reduce smog and fog in affected areas.