Kazhydromet issues air pollution alert for Astana and Almaty

Tengrinews.kz - Kazhydromet has issued an air pollution warning for residents of Astana, Almaty, and several other cities.

"On May 14, 2025, unfavorable meteorological conditions for air pollution are expected in the cities of Almaty, Astana, Zhezkazgan, and Balkhash," the statement said.

Unfavorable meteorological conditions refer to a combination of short-term weather factors—such as calm, light wind, fog, and temperature inversion—that contribute to the accumulation of harmful (polluting) substances in the lower layer of the atmosphere.

An inversion is a weather phenomenon in which warm air traps colder air beneath it. Normally, warmer air near the surface rises and carries pollutants away. But during an inversion, the cooler air remains trapped at the surface, along with exhaust fumes, dust, and smoke. As a result, pollutants accumulate near ground level, especially in urban areas.

Weather in Astana

May 14 – Partly cloudy, no precipitation expected. Southeast wind: 3–8 m/s at night, 7–12 m/s during the day. Temperature: +14…+16°C at night, +31…+33°C during the day.

Weather in Almaty

May 14 – Partly cloudy, no precipitation. Southwest wind 3–8 m/s. Temperature: +14…+16°C at night, +30…+32°C during the day.

What meteorologists are saying

Forecasters previously warned that a heat wave bringing temperatures of up to 44°C is approaching Kazakhstan.

Southern and central regions will experience dry and hot weather, with temperatures reaching 35–44°C in the south and 35–38°C in central areas. In the Akmola region, highs are expected between 30–35°C.

Meanwhile, western and northern areas may see rain, thunderstorms, and even hail in some places.

May weather outlook in Kazakhstan

Kazhydromet previously reported that May temperatures are expected to be about 1°C above average across most of the country, making this spring significantly warmer than usual.

Read also: What will the weather be like in Kazakhstan in the summer of 2025