Astana, 19 October. Kazhydromet issued storm warnings for Tuesday, 20 October for Astana and most regions: forecasters expect strong gusty winds, rain and snow, ice, fog, blizzards and dust storms.
In the capital the wind will turn from south-westerly to north-westerly, with gusts of 15–20 m/s. In Akmola, Pavlodar and East Kazakhstan regions and Abai region gusts of up to 23–28 m/s are expected. Drifting snow and ice are forecast in North Kazakhstan region, frosts down to −7°C in Zhetysu region and a dust storm in Kyzylorda region. Fog and ice are expected in the west and north of the country.
At the same time, high and extreme fire danger persists in western, southern and some central regions. Overnight frosts and in places rain and snow are expected across the country, and on the morning of 20 October forecasters again warned of snow, blizzards and winds of up to 28 m/s.
In Kokshetau a north-westerly wind of 15–20 m/s with gusts of up to 23 m/s is expected, and in Petropavl rain, snow, ice and drifting snow with gusts of up to 23–28 m/s; fog is expected overnight in the west of North Kazakhstan region. Outlets give different numbers of regions under warnings: some write about Astana and 16 regions, others about Astana and 17 regions.
Kazhydromet issues storm warnings when dangerous weather such as strong winds, blizzards or ice is expected, so that drivers, utilities and residents have time to prepare. In gusts of 23–28 m/s it is dangerous to leave cars under trees or near billboards, and ice after rain and snow makes both roads and pavements hazardous.
Background: A dust storm in Kyzylorda region and a blizzard in the north on the same day show how large the country is: fire danger persists in the west and south while winter is already setting in in the north.
List of sources used: Tengrinews, Kazinform, Zakon.kz, Informburo, BES.media, Kursiv
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
