Kazakhstan issues storm warning amid extreme heat and wildfire risk

Kazakhstan is facing a severe weather alert, with intense heat expected to grip nearly all regions of the country. Daytime temperatures are forecast to soar between +35°C and +40°C, creating dangerous conditions. This extreme heat significantly elevates the risk of wildfires, with an "extreme wildfire risk" warning in effect across multiple areas, including Atyrau, Ulytau, and parts of Karaganda and Almaty regions.

Specific cities are experiencing particularly high temperatures. Atyrau and Zhezkazgan are expected to reach +35°C to +36°C, while parts of the Almaty region, including Konaev, could see temperatures between +36°C and +38°C. In Zhetysu Region, Taldykorgan is forecast to experience +37°C to +39°C, and Mangystau Region could reach a scorching +38°C to +40°C.

Alongside the heat, several regions are also anticipating thunderstorms and rain. The mountainous areas of the Ile Alatau mountains, including Medeu and Bostandyk districts near Almaty, are forecast to receive brief rain and thunderstorms. Similar conditions are expected in the southern and mountainous areas of Almaty Region, and in the mountainous regions of Zhetysu. Northwesterly winds are predicted to gust between 15–20 meters per second in mountainous areas and western regions. The northern parts of West Kazakhstan Region could experience heavy rain, hail, and squalls during daytime thunderstorms.