Kazhydromet issues air pollution warning for Astana residents

Tengrinews.kz - Kazhydromet has issued an air quality warning for Astana and several other cities in Kazakhstan, citing unfavorable meteorological conditions forecast for May 12.

"On May 12, 2025, unfavorable weather conditions for air pollution are expected in the cities of Karaganda, Temirtau, and Astana," the statement reads.

Such conditions occur when short-term weather factors like calm winds, light breezes, fog, or temperature inversion trap pollutants near the ground level, preventing their dispersion.

A temperature inversion is a phenomenon where a layer of warm air sits above a layer of cooler air, effectively sealing it. Under normal conditions, warm air near the surface rises and disperses pollutants. But during an inversion, the colder air remains trapped below, along with exhaust fumes, dust, and smoke—leading to a buildup of pollution near the ground, especially in urban areas.

Astana weather forecast

May 12: Partly cloudy, no precipitation. Fog at night and in the morning. Southwest wind at 3–8 m/s. Temperature: 9–11°C at night, 25–27°C during the day.

May 13: Partly cloudy, dry. Southeast wind at 3–8 m/s. Temperature: 13–15°C at night, 27–29°C during the day.

May 14: Partly cloudy, dry. Southeast wind at 3–8 m/s. Temperature: 13–15°C at night, 29–31°C during the day.

Almaty weather forecast

May 12: Partly cloudy with nighttime rain and thunderstorms. Southwest wind at 3–8 m/s, gusting to 13 m/s during storms. Temperature: 13–15°C at night, 24–26°C during the day.

May 13: Partly cloudy, dry. East wind at 3–8 m/s. Temperature: 11–13°C at night, 27–29°C during the day.

May 14: Partly cloudy with daytime rain and thunderstorms. East wind at 3–8 m/s, gusting to 13 m/s during the day. Temperature: 15–17°C at night, 30–32°C during the day.

May outlook across Kazakhstan

Kazhydromet earlier reported that average temperatures across much of Kazakhstan in May are expected to be about one degree above the seasonal norm.