Long-range weather models suggest Lahore could witness extremely rare snowfall later this month as an intense cold wave, driven by Siberian air, grips Pakistan.

Meteorologists say temperatures may plunge across large parts of the country to levels not observed for nearly a century, according to extended model projections.

Forecasts from ECMWF, GFS, and ICON indicate the winter system could affect Pakistan between January 16 and January 25, peaking during late January.

Models suggest Lahore could receive up to five inches of snowfall, with minimum temperatures between minus two and minus four degrees Celsius.

Read More: Weather Forecast: Rain, Snowfall, and Dense Fog

If confirmed, forecasters say this would represent Lahore’s first snowfall since 1878, potentially making it a historic weather event for the city.

Meteorologists explain shifting atmospheric patterns, including jet stream changes and western disturbances, may draw bitterly cold Siberian and Central Asian air southwards.

The cold wave is expected to impact Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan, bringing sub-zero temperatures to areas that rarely freeze conditions.

Forecasts indicate snowfall or sleet for several cities, while Murree, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Karachi could see unusually severe cold conditions nationwide.

Forecasters have issued extreme cold warnings for parts of Balochistan, stressing the outlook remains long-range, with a detailed update expected January 16.