Kazakhstan braces for rain, thunderstorms, and hail as cyclone approaches

Kazakhstan is bracing for a significant shift in weather as a northern cyclone is set to sweep across the country on August 28. Much of the nation can expect variable cloudiness, occasional rain, and thunderstorms. The forecast highlights the possibility of hail in several regions, particularly during the daytime.

Wind speeds are also expected to pick up, with northwesterly and northerly winds ranging from 9-14 m/s, and gusts potentially reaching 15-20 m/s in some areas. This combination of precipitation and wind is likely to affect daily life and outdoor activities across the affected regions.

Temperatures will present a stark contrast depending on the location. While Astana will see daytime highs of 24-26°C, cities like Shymkent are forecast to experience intense heat, with temperatures reaching 34-36°C. Even cooler conditions are expected in mountainous areas, such as the Ile Alatau mountains near Almaty, where nighttime temperatures could drop to 5-10°C, with daytime highs around 20-25°C. Regions like Akmola and Zhetysu will also experience a mix of rain and heat, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-23°C and 30-35°C respectively.

The weather service has issued specific warnings for certain areas. Akmola Region, for instance, anticipates heavy rain and thunderstorms overnight, with fog expected in the west and north during the night and morning. Turkestan Region may experience dust storms in the north during the day, adding another layer of weather complexity.