Kazakhstan braces for fog, thunderstorms, hail, and extreme fire risks

Kazakhstan is bracing for a volatile mix of weather phenomena, with warnings issued for fog, thunderstorms, hail, and extreme fire hazards across several regions. The national meteorological service forecasts challenging conditions, including short-term rain and thunderstorms in mountainous areas of Almaty Region and near the Ile-Alatau mountains.

Extreme fire hazards persist in multiple locations, including Almaty, Ulytau Region, Zhezkazgan, and Atyrau Region, where daytime temperatures are expected to reach 35-38 degrees Celsius. Karaganda Region is anticipating rain, thunderstorms, and hail, particularly in its northern and eastern parts, alongside fog and strong winds gusting up to 20 meters per second.

High winds are also a concern in Zhetysu Region, with gusts occasionally reaching 30 meters per second or more near the Alakol Lakes. This region, along with Abai Region, is expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, with potential for heavy rain, hail, and squalls. The Russian news agency Tass reported that the drills involved “approximately 60 surface ships, submarines, and support vessels, about 30 aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems of the Pacific fleet’s naval aviation, as well as over 13,000 service members”.