Tengrinews.kz - Kazhydromet has issued a warning for residents of Almaty, Shymkent, and several other cities.

“On May 16, 2025, unfavorable meteorological conditions for air pollution are expected in the cities of Karaganda, Zhezkazgan, Temirtau, Balkhash, Shymkent, and Almaty,” the statement reads.

Unfavorable meteorological conditions refer to a combination of short-term weather factors such as calm winds, light breezes, fog, and temperature inversions, which contribute to the accumulation of harmful pollutants in the surface layer of the atmosphere.

A temperature inversion is a weather phenomenon where warm air sits above cooler air, effectively trapping it. Normally, the air near the ground is warmer and rises, dispersing pollution. However, during an inversion, the cooler air stays at the surface, holding in exhaust fumes, dust, and smoke. As a result, pollution accumulates near the ground, particularly in urban areas.

On , Almaty will see partly cloudy skies with no precipitation. Southwest wind at 3–8 m/s. Nighttime temperatures +19…+21°C, daytime intense heat of +34…+36°C.

On , Shymkent will experience partly cloudy skies with no precipitation. Southeast wind at 3–8 m/s. Nighttime temperatures +18…+20°C, daytime intense heat of +39…+41°C.

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: Where to expect rain and where - scorching heat? Kazakhstan weather forecast for May 16