July heat sets new records across several regions in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan endured a notably hot July in 2026, with average temperatures across much of the country soaring significantly above seasonal norms.

The Hydrometeorology Agency (Uzhydromet) reported that average monthly temperatures ranged from 1.3 to 2.3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. In the northern parts of the country and some desert zones, this deviation was even more pronounced, reaching 2.5 to 2.8 degrees Celsius above normal.

While July began with cooler-than-average temperatures, a steady rise began around July 6. The most intense heatwave struck on July 18-19, with daytime highs hitting 43-45°C across most of Uzbekistan. Southern and desert areas experienced even more extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching 46-50°C. These intense periods led to several regions, including the capitals of the Fergana Valley, setting new July temperature records. Tashkent recorded 44.3°C on July 19, narrowly missing its all-time record.

Nights offered little respite, with overnight temperatures frequently staying between 25°C and 28°C, and climbing to 30-33°C in southern and desert locales. Despite a brief cooling trend towards the end of the month, temperatures once again rose above normal by July's close. The number of days reaching or exceeding 40°C was substantially higher than the long-term average in many regions.