Extreme cold grips Kazakhstan as temperatures plunge to −45°C

Kazakhstan continues to face severe winter conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as −45°C in eastern regions, according to the national weather service Kazhydromet.

Forecasters say frosty weather without significant precipitation will persist across most of the country. Snow is expected in parts of the north-west, north and south, while fog, strong winds and icy road conditions are forecast nationwide. A storm warning has been issued in 12 regions, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

Eastern Kazakhstan remains the hardest hit. Temperatures in parts of Abai Region are expected to fall to −40°C, while Jetisu Region is forecast to see lows of around −27°C. In some areas of East Kazakhstan Region, thermometers have dropped below −40°C, with local authorities reporting temperatures as low as −56°C on 17 January in the village of Shanagatty in the Markakol district.

The extreme cold has disrupted essential services. In Ust-Kamenogorsk, several water supply accidents occurred on the morning of 18 January, leaving more than 2,000 residents without cold water. Pipe bursts were reported in the Mirny settlement and on Karbysheva Street, affecting apartment buildings, private homes and a school.

According to Oskemen Vodokanal, water supplies in Mirny were cut off at around 10:30 a.m. Emergency repair crews are working at multiple sites, though authorities have not yet provided a timeline for restoring water services.

Despite the harsh conditions, utility workers have been operating since early morning. Volunteers have joined relief efforts by providing workers with hot tea and food.

By Vugar Khalilov