Astana, 5 November, . Kazhydromet has issued storm warnings for 5 November in all regions of Kazakhstan except Astana: forecasters expect heavy precipitation, fog and gusty wind, and keep a high fire danger warning.
The west will be hit hardest. In West Kazakhstan region heavy rain is expected at night in the north and in the daytime in the north, south and east, while a south wind turning north-west will bring gusts of 23–28 metres per second. In Mangystau region heavy rain and thunderstorms will pass at times, and a dust storm is possible in the north-east in the daytime; in Aktobe region heavy rain is expected in the west, and in Zhambyl region in the mountains heavy precipitation as rain and snow. In Zhetysu, according to the forecast, rain in the daytime, in the north of the regions rain with snow and ice are forecast, and fog at night and in the morning over most of the country.
The bad weather will not end today: according to Kazhydromet’s forecast for 5–7 November, the anticyclone that kept the weather dry is leaving, and a trough of a northern cyclone is taking its place. Heavy precipitation as rain and snow will reach the west and north-west on 5–6 November, and on 6 November heavy rain is expected in the south and centre. For 6 November precipitation with ice is forecast in a number of regions. At the same time an emergency fire danger remains in the east, west, south and centre of the country: wind quickly spreads open fire.
What it means: The anticyclone has left, and until 7 November the country is passing through a cyclone: heavy rain and snow in the west and north-west, then bad weather moves to the centre and south, while the wind raises the fire danger.
What to do: In its appeals the Emergencies Ministry advises postponing trips when a storm warning is in force, following reports on road closures, and, if an emergency occurs on the road, stopping in a safe place, turning on the hazard lights and calling 112. In strong wind and downpours, the ministry reminds people, it is better to stay indoors, not to stand near trees, advertising structures and power lines, and not to light fires or use open flame.
Background: Earlier, on 2 November, Kazhydromet warned of frosts down to −8 °C and extreme fire danger; the forecast for 3–5 November already promised rain in the west.
We have also reported on frosts and fire danger on 2 November.
