Almaty's hazardous air quality alert issued for Sunday due to weather trap
Almaty residents have been warned about poor air quality this Sunday. Kazgidromet issued an alert due to weather conditions that could trap harmful pollutants near the ground. Fog, light winds, and temperature inversions are set to worsen the situation.
Temperatures will drop to between -1°C and -3°C overnight. By day, they will climb to a milder 9-11°C. Southeasterly winds of 3-8 metres per second will blow throughout the day, but these breezes will not be strong enough to disperse pollutants effectively.
Fog is expected to form at night and linger into the morning. The combination of weak winds, fog, and an inversion layer will prevent air from circulating properly. This stagnation allows harmful substances to build up close to the surface, reducing air quality.
While Almaty's air has improved slightly since 2021, stricter emission controls have not eliminated all risks. Winter inversions and föhn winds still cause occasional spikes in pollution. The Chon-Alatau Valley basin, where cold air often gets trapped, remains particularly vulnerable to these episodes.
The sky will stay partly cloudy, with no rain forecast for the day.
Authorities have urged people to take precautions, especially those sensitive to air pollution. The current weather pattern highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining clean air in Almaty, despite recent progress. Residents should stay updated on any further advisories from Kazgidromet.
