The Kazakhstani capital Astana, known as one of the coldest capitals in the world, is facing extreme temperature anomalies. During the current summer, the city has already recorded two record heatwaves that exceed historical data for the region.
Historical Temperature Records
On July 14, temperatures in Astana reached 39.5 °C, breaking the previous record for this date of 35.3 °C, set 34 years ago. Earlier, on June 23, the city noted a new maximum value of 36.8 °C, surpassing the record from 1941, when 36.4 °C was reported.
Last week, the city's residents continued to receive warnings via the 112 emergency alert system, as temperatures remained around 36 °C.
Scale of the Heatwave in the Country
The extreme heat is not limited to the capital alone. In the southwestern part of Kazakhstan, temperatures are reaching 44 °C, while in the southern and southeastern regions, values between 45 °C and 48 °C have been recorded. According to forecasts from the National Hydrometeorological Service of Kazakhstan, the heatwave will continue until the end of July, with temperatures of 35 °C to 45 °C expected in the western and southern parts.
Health Risks and Lack of a National Plan
Data from UNICEF shows that nearly three-quarters of Kazakhstan's territory is exposed to climate risks affecting human health. A World Bank report warns that without decisive adaptation measures, heat-related deaths in cities across Europe and Central Asia could triple by 2050.
Despite these warnings, Kazakhstan still lacks a separate national mortality indicator directly linked to heat. In response to an inquiry from Euronews, the country's Ministry of Health confirmed that it does not currently collect such data.
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The Ministry also admitted that Kazakhstan does not yet have a full national "Heat and Health" action plan in line with World Health Organization recommendations. At present, only some elements have been implemented, such as public warnings and health advice for vulnerable groups—the elderly, children, and persons with chronic illnesses.