Kazakhstan’s national meteorological service, Kazhydromet, has issued a weather forecast for 1 January that warns of widespread snow, low-level blizzards and hazardous driving conditions across much of the country. Authorities advise motorists and travellers to prepare for reduced visibility, icy roads and strong gusts in a number of regions.
Kazakhstan weather 1 January forecast
In Akmola region, forecasters expect snow accompanied by low-level blizzards and widespread black ice on roads. Fog is likely in the western, northern and eastern parts of the region. Winds will shift from west to south-east overnight, with gusts of 15–20 m/s recorded in the south and east at night and across the west and north during the day. Kokchetav will see night-time snow and blizzard conditions with similar wind speeds.
Almaty region will face intermittent fog and icy road surfaces. A north-west wind will swing to the south-east on the region’s eastern flank, producing gusts up to 15–20 m/s. In Konaev, north-west winds will back to north-east at night with gusts around 18 m/s.
Heavy snow and low-level blizzards are expected in Zhambyl region, with fog and black ice on the northern, southern and mountainous terrain. Northeastern and mountain districts can expect winds of 15–20 m/s. Taraz may see patchy fog and hazardous road icing through the day.
Western Kazakhstan will record snow and low-level blizzards, while fog and black ice are likely in the north, east and south. Karaganda region is set for snow and blizzards with black ice on roads; fog will affect the west, north and east. Karaganda city can expect night-time snow, fog and icy roads, with south-west winds turning south-east and gusts of 15–20 m/s.
Mangystau region will see light precipitation (rain and snow), low-level blizzards and ice-covered surfaces. Fog is likely on the western and north-eastern coasts. Gusts may reach 23 m/s at times in the north and central areas, with 15–20 m/s expected in coastal zones. Aktau may experience fog during the night.
Pavlodar region is forecast to have snow, low-level blizzards and icy roads, with fog likely across the west, north and south. Pavlodar city faces night-time snow and gusty west winds up to 15–20 m/s. North Kazakhstan will see snow and blizzard conditions; the western and southern districts may experience fog, and daytime gusts could reach 25 m/s in exposed areas. Petropavlovsk is likely to face southerly winds of 15–20 m/s during the daytime.
Turkestan region will contend with black ice and fog across northern, western, southern and mountainous zones. Mountain passes could see north-easterly gusts of 15–20 m/s. Ulytau and Jezkazgan regions are expected to experience fog and icy roads under south-west winds turning south-east with gusts of 15–18 m/s.
In the major cities: Almaty will be cloudy with occasional rain or snow, fog and icy patches. North-easterly winds are forecast at 3–8 m/s, with temperatures near freezing, around +1 to +3°C both night and day. Shymkent will see variable cloud, night and morning precipitation, fog and black ice; north-east winds of 8–13 m/s and temperatures between -2°C at night and +2–4°C during the day. Astana will have variable cloud, night-time snow, low-level blizzards and black ice, with south-west winds of 9–14 m/s and cold temperatures ranging from -12 to -10°C overnight and -9 to -7°C during the daytime.
Travel and safety advice: road users should expect reduced visibility and treacherous surfaces, especially where black ice forms. High winds may blow snow onto roadways, creating sudden whiteout conditions in exposed areas. Those planning long journeys are advised to check local forecasts and road bulletins, allow extra travel time and carry emergency supplies. Local authorities may impose traffic restrictions if conditions deteriorate.
Kazhydromet will continue to monitor conditions and issue updates. Residents in affected regions should observe official warnings and follow safety guidance to minimise risk during the New Year period.
Key Takeaways:
- Kazgydromet forecasts widespread snow, low-level blizzards and icy roads across many regions on 1 January.
- Strong gusts of 15–25 m/s expected in several areas; dense fog likely in western, northern and mountain districts.
- Major cities including Astana, Almaty and Shymkent face mixed precipitation and travel disruptions.
