Kazhydromet reports temperature records in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – The year 2024 became the sixth warmest on record in Kazakhstan since meteorological observations began in 1941. This is stated in Kazhydromet’s review of the climate state and changes in Kazakhstan for 2024.

Each year warmer than the last

The average annual air temperature in 2024 was +7.18°C, which is +0.87°C above the climate norm (based on the 1991–2020 period). Thus, 2024 entered the top 10 warmest years in Kazakhstan’s observation history.

According to Kazhydromet statistics, nine out of the ten warmest years have occurred in the 21st century. The warmest remains 2023, with a temperature anomaly of +1.73°C, followed by 2020 and 2013. The warming trend is steady: each decade since the 1960s has been warmer than the previous one.

Regions with the highest warming

In 2024, the most significant temperature anomalies were recorded in the eastern, southwestern, northeastern, and central regions of Kazakhstan, as well as around Lake Balkhash, where deviations from the norm reached +2.3°C.

At 17 meteorological stations, including Aktogay and Bakty in Abai region, 2024 was recognized as the warmest year since 1941.

Kazhydromet reports that in the Abai, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Atyrau regions, 2024 entered the top 5% of extremely warm years, with average anomalies between +0.85°C and +1.35°C.

In the Karaganda, Pavlodar, Kyzylorda, West Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu regions, temperature anomalies also ranked in the top 10%, ranging from +0.74°C to +1.2°C.

Caspian and Balkhash: heat impact on water resources

Hot weather had a marked impact on Lake Balkhash, where anomalies reached +2.3°C. Experts warn this may affect the water balance of the region, especially considering existing issues with drying tributaries.

Meanwhile, the level of the Caspian Sea continues to decline, attributed to increased evaporation and climate change. Scientists warn that this could threaten coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, and economic activity.

Precipitation: from records to shortages

Despite the heat, most regions of Kazakhstan received normal or above-normal precipitation in 2024. The highest was recorded in the Akmola region – 146.6% of the norm, with an average precipitation depth of 160 mm.

Some areas in Zhambyl region received over 300% of normal precipitation, while parts of southern Kostanay and Kyzylorda regions faced a 40–70% deficit.

At 20 meteorological stations, record-breaking annual precipitation totals were registered since 1941.

Seasonal anomalies: hotter spring and summer, cooler fall

The most notable deviations from the norm occurred:

• in April: +2.73°C (5th warmest April on record);
• in January: +2.48°C;
• in June: +1.89°C.

However, May, February, and September were cooler than normal. September, in particular, had an anomaly of –0.94°C, ranking 65th coolest since 1941.

Warming trend: +0.36°C every 10 years

According to Kazhydromet, from 1976 to 2024, the average rate of temperature increase in Kazakhstan is +0.36°C per decade. The warming trend continues, and climate records are increasingly being broken year after year.

As for precipitation, no clear long-term trend is observed — wet and dry periods alternate.

What will summer 2025 be like in Kazakhstan?

Earlier, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev shared the weather forecast for the upcoming summer in Kazakhstan:

In June, temperatures in the north and center will range from 17–20°C, and in the south and west up to 28°C. In some parts of the southwest, temperatures could reach 45°C.
Rainfall in June and July is expected to be within normal levels, though the north, south, and southeast may receive slightly more.

In August and September, less rainfall is expected, and temperatures may be about 1°C above normal. This forecast is preliminary and subject to change.