Almaty braces for heavy snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures

Tengrinews.kz – Almaty is preparing for heavy snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures, according to the city akimat.

According to forecasters, snow will begin during the night of January 16 and, with intervals, will continue until the evening of January 17. On January 16, temperatures are expected at −5…−7 degrees, on January 17 at night −11…−13 and during the day −7…−9.

City services measures

From January 15, public utilities have been switched to an enhanced mode of operation. Round-the-clock shifts of drivers, machine operators and road workers have been organized.

To prevent ice before the start of precipitation, 210 grit spreaders will be deployed on duty, and main roads will be treated with liquid reagents.

A total of 1,030 units of specialized equipment are planned to be engaged in round-the-clock work, plus an additional 200 units from private companies and 2,710 road workers. For courtyard areas, 1,790 workers and 256 units of special equipment will be involved.

Seventy-five rapid response teams will step up patrols to monitor road conditions on descents, ascents and interchange ramps.

Response forces

The Almaty Rescue Service will deploy 16 units of special equipment and 50 staff. The Department for Emergency Situations (DES) will provide 53 units of equipment and 244 personnel on duty. District akimats have organized 24/7 duty shifts to monitor the work.

Recommendations for residents

Drivers are advised to reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid sudden maneuvers; novice drivers are recommended to refrain from driving for a while and use public transport instead.

Pedestrians are advised to be careful on sidewalks due to icy conditions and not to walk too close to high-rise buildings because of the risk of snow falling from roofs.

Weather forecast for Almaty

January 15 – Partly cloudy, no precipitation. Fog at night and in the morning. Northeasterly wind 2–7 m/s. Air temperature at night −4…−6 degrees, during the day 0…+2 degrees.

January 16 – Cloudy, occasional snow, fog, black ice. Northeasterly wind 2–7 m/s. Air temperature at night −8…−10 degrees, during the day −2…−4 degrees.

January 17 – Cloudy, occasional snow, fog, black ice. Northwesterly wind 2–7 m/s. Air temperature at night −14…−16 degrees, during the day −8…−10 degrees.