On December 7, "Kazhydromet" issued storm warnings for most regions of Kazakhstan.
Forecasters explain this phenomenon by the passage of atmospheric fronts, which will bring precipitation, fog, ice, strong winds, and in some areas, low visibility snowstorms. Particularly difficult conditions are expected in the north and east of the country.
Storm Warnings by Region
Storm warnings are in effect in the following regions: Atyrau, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Aktobe, North Kazakhstan, Zhetysu, East Kazakhstan, Abai, Karaganda, and Ulytau. In several of these areas, multiple hazardous weather phenomena are forecasted—from fog to snowstorms and sharp cooling.
Foggy Conditions
Fog is expected in the northern part of Atyrau region, as well as in the west, east, and south of Kostanay region. In Kyzylorda region, fog will cover the north, south, and center. In Zhetysu, fog may occur in mountainous and foothill areas.
Fog is also expected in the north, south, and center of East Kazakhstan, and in Abai region— in the west, south, and central parts.
In Karaganda region, fog will be observed in the north, east, and south, while in Ulytau region— in the north, east, and center.
Ice Hazard
Ice will become one of the main threats. In Kostanay region, it is expected during the daytime along with snow and snowstorms.
In the south and west of Kyzylorda region, ice may occur at night and during the day, respectively. In Aktobe region— during the day in the north, east, and south. In North Kazakhstan region, ice is forecasted both at night and during the day, including in Petropavlovsk. In East Kazakhstan, ice is expected in the west, north, and east. In Abai region, it will be in the north, east, and center, while in Karaganda and Ulytau— almost throughout the territory.
Snowfalls and Snowstorms
In Kostanay region, snow and low visibility snowstorms are expected during the day on December 7.
In North Kazakhstan region, light snowfalls are possible at night, while during the day— snowstorms and increased precipitation. Snow and low visibility snowstorms are also forecasted in East Kazakhstan and Abai regions. Snowfalls in Karaganda region will begin on December 9, coinciding with a sharp drop in temperature.
Strong Winds
In the area of the Alakol lakes in Zhetysu, winds may reach 15–20 m/s.
Similar gusts are expected on December 9 in Ulytau region and in the west, north, and east of Karaganda region.
Sharp Cooling from December 9 to 11
The most significant cooling is expected in Ulytau and Karaganda regions.
In Ulytau, temperatures on December 9 may drop to −10…−15 degrees, in the north— to −20. At night on December 10–11, temperatures may fall to −17, in some areas in the east— to −25.
In Karaganda region, temperatures of −15…−20 are expected on December 9, in the northwest— up to −25. At night on December 10, temperatures may reach −30 in the northeast, and on December 11— up to −32.
