Winter is set to tighten its grip across Kazakhstan in the coming days. On January 13-14, large parts of the country are expected to experience severe frost, snowfall, blizzards, icy conditions and strong winds, DKNews.kz reports.
The most challenging weather is forecast for the northern, eastern and central regions, where temperatures in some areas may plunge to -35 to -38°C. Such conditions could significantly disrupt road traffic, public transportation and infrastructure operations.
North and East: Peak of the Cold Wave
In the Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and East Kazakhstan regions, as well as the Ulytau region, forecasters expect snow, drifting blizzards, fog and icy roads. Wind gusts may reach 20-25 meters per second.
During the night of January 14, temperatures in certain areas could drop to -35 to -38°C, while daytime temperatures are expected to remain extremely cold at -20 to -28°C.
Central Kazakhstan: Strong Winds and Ice
In the Karaganda region, snow, fog and icy conditions are forecast, accompanied by strong winds with gusts up to 25 m/s. Air temperatures are expected to range:
- -13 to -15°C at night
- around 0 to -5°C during the day
South and West: Mixed Precipitation and Temperature Swings
In the Turkestan, West Kazakhstan, Atyrau and Mangystau regions, residents should prepare for rain and snow, fog and icy roads. While temperatures will be milder than in the north, sharp fluctuations combined with strong winds will increase the risk of dangerous driving conditions.
Southeast: Relatively Mild, but Foggy
In the Almaty region, Zhetysu and Zhambyl regions, daytime temperatures may rise to +5 to +15°C. However, fog, gusty winds and localized ice, particularly in mountainous areas, are still possible.
What Authorities Recommend
Emergency services and weather specialists advise:
- avoiding long-distance travel during blizzards,
- exercising extreme caution on icy roads,
- planning trips and logistics in advance with weather conditions in mind.
Severe frost and unstable weather may affect transportation and essential services, so residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed.
