Kazhydromet warned residents of Almaty, Shymkent, and 7 other cities

Tengrinews.kz – Kazhydromet has issued an air pollution warning for residents of Almaty, Shymkent, and other cities.

"On May 21, 2025, unfavorable meteorological conditions for air pollution are expected in the cities of Karaganda, Balkhash, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, Ridder, Atyrau, Aktobe, Shymkent, and Almaty," the statement reads.

Unfavorable meteorological conditions are a combination of short-term weather factors (calm, weak winds, fog, inversion) that contribute to the accumulation of harmful (polluting) substances in the lower atmospheric layer.
Inversion is a weather phenomenon where warm air sits above cooler air, effectively trapping it. Normally, the warmer air near the surface rises, carrying pollutants away. But during an inversion, the cold air remains trapped below, along with exhaust fumes, dust, and smoke. As a result, pollution accumulates near ground level, especially in cities.
Weather in Almaty
On May 21, Almaty will be partly cloudy with no precipitation. Winds will shift from east to northwest at 3–8 m/s. Temperature: +12…+14°C at night, +26…+28°C during the day.
Weather in Shymkent
On May 21, Shymkent will have mostly clear skies with no precipitation. Southeasterly wind at 3–8 m/s. Temperature: +13…+15°C at night, +33…+35°C during the day.