Thunderstorms and Heat Wave Threaten Kazakhstan’s Astana, Almaty, Shymkent

Kazakhstan’s National Weather Service, Kazhydromet, has issued severe weather warnings for Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and 17 regions nationwide, as thunderstorms, high winds, extreme heat, and fire hazards threaten large parts of the country.

In Astana, forecasters warn of daytime thunderstorms, accompanied by squalls, hail, and strong southwesterly winds reaching 15-20 meters per second (mps), The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

Almaty city is also expected to see thunderstorms, while surrounding mountainous areas may experience gusty winds up to 20 mps.

In Shymkent, northwesterly winds of 15-20 mps are forecast, along with extreme fire danger.

Akmola Region will see heavy rain, hail, and squalls during the day, with fog overnight. Wind gusts could reach up to 28 mps in some areas.

Aktobe Region faces thunderstorms across the north, east, and center, with 15-20 mps winds and extreme fire risk in the south and east.

Abai Region will experience storms and hail, along with a heatwave of up to 38°C. Wind gusts may reach 25 mps, and fire danger is classified as extreme.

Atyrau Region will have northerly and northwesterly winds of up to 20 mps, with severe fire risk in central and eastern zones.

East Kazakhstan expects thunderstorms and hail across much of the region, with highs of 38°C in the south and extreme fire danger.

Zhambyl Region, including the Alakol area, will be hit by storms and winds exceeding 30 mps, especially in mountainous areas.

West Kazakhstan braces for 15-23 mps winds and extreme fire risk in the east.

Karaganda Region will experience nighttime storms and gusts up to 23 mps, with extreme fire danger in the center.

Kostanay Region will see thunderstorms, hail, and squalls in the south and east, plus fog and strong winds, with fire danger continuing.

Kyzylorda Region faces dust storms and 15-20 mps winds, with ongoing extreme fire hazards.

Mangistau Region expects nighttime thunderstorms in the northwest and strong winds elsewhere. Fire danger remains very high.

Pavlodar Region will be affected by thunderstorms in the north and east, along with southwesterly winds and high fire risk.

North Kazakhstan is forecast to receive heavy overnight rains, daytime hail, and fog, with winds reaching 20 mps.

Turkistan Region anticipates thunderstorms and strong winds, with extreme fire risk throughout the day.

Ulytau Region will see thunderstorms in the east, and strong variable winds, along with extreme fire risk in the south and east.