ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday dismissed reports of “extreme cold weather” in the country from Jan. 16 till Jan. 25, saying temperatures were expected to remain within the normal range.

Reports circulating on social media claimed that extremely cold weather would return to Pakistan for the first time in almost a century, bringing “sub-zero temperatures” to Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces.

Without citing any official data or forecasts, the reports claimed temperatures in the federal capital of Islamabad and Rawalpindi could drop to -5°C, while they may drop to -15°C in Murree, -4°C in Lahore, -25°C in Quetta and -2°C in Hyderabad.

“The Pakistan Meteorological Department categorically refutes these claims and clarifies that no such extreme or historic cold wave is expected during the mentioned period,” it said in a statement.

There has been no indication of widespread or persistent record-breaking cold conditions, based on the latest analysis of numerical weather prediction models and observational data, according to the PMD.

The Met Office advised the public to rely solely on official forecasts, warnings and adviseries issued by the national weather agency and to avoid sharing unverified information that may cause concern.

Pakistan has been witnessing a cold spell, with northern and hilly areas experiencing freezing temperatures, while the country’s plains and southern cities have faced chilly nights and foggy mornings.