Air will heat up to +48 - forecasters warned residents of Almaty, Astana and Shymkent

Kazakhstan is set to experience a significant heatwave, with forecasters warning of temperatures soaring to as high as 48°C in major cities. The extreme heat is expected to grip Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent from July 16 through July 18.

In Astana, daytime temperatures will range from 31°C to 33°C on July 16 and 17, before climbing to an intense 35°C to 37°C on July 18. The capital can also expect afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with wind gusts reaching up to 20 m/s.

Almaty will face even more intense heat, with daytime temperatures reaching 36°C to 38°C on July 16, escalating to an extreme 38°C to 40°C on July 17, and peaking at 40°C to 42°C on July 18. The city will remain dry with light winds.

Shymkent is predicted to endure the most severe heat. Daytime temperatures are forecast to hit 41°C to 43°C on July 16, rising to 44°C to 46°C on July 17, and reaching an alarming 46°C to 48°C on July 18. Like Almaty, Shymkent is expected to remain dry.

This intense heatwave contrasts with forecasts for other regions of Kazakhstan, where heavy precipitation, hail, and squalls are anticipated over the next three days. Temperatures in central and eastern Kazakhstan are expected to remain around 41°C, while southern and southeastern areas could see highs between 41°C and 46°C.