Winter 2026-2027 in Kazakhstan is expected to be relatively warm, with air temperatures in most regions potentially exceeding the climate norm. However, the season will not be without weather surprises: forecasters have warned of blizzards, fog and ice, infohub.kz reports.
According to Kazhydromet, precipitation in most regions of the country will be close to the climate norm. Some areas may see more precipitation than usual, specifically northwestern, northern, northeastern and central Kazakhstan.
Blizzards, gusty winds, fog and ice are forecast in some parts of the country during the winter. Temperature swings are also expected, which may lead to a crust of ice forming on the snow cover.
The first month of winter promises to be warmer than usual. Average air temperatures across Kazakhstan are expected to be 2 degrees above the climate norm. Precipitation in most regions is forecast to be within the norm. More snow and rain than usual may fall in North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Kostanay, Akmola, West Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions, as well as the Abai and East Kazakhstan regions. Below-normal precipitation is expected in the south of the Kyzylorda region.
In January, air temperatures across most of the country will be 1-2 degrees above the climate norm. In the northwestern half of Kazakhstan, readings are expected to be near the norm. January precipitation in most regions will also match climate indicators. Above-normal precipitation is forecast in the southwest of the West Kazakhstan region and the west of the Atyrau and Mangystau regions. Below-normal precipitation is expected in the southeastern part of the Kyzylorda region, the far southeast of the Ulytau region, the far south of the Karaganda and Abai regions, and the northern half of the Turkestan, Zhambyl and Almaty regions and the Zhetisu region.
The last month of winter is also expected to be relatively warm. Air temperatures across most of Kazakhstan may exceed the norm by 1-3 degrees. In the north and east of the country, readings are forecast to be near the climate norm. The precipitation picture will be different: in most regions, amounts may exceed usual values. Precipitation within the norm is expected in the western half of the country. Below-normal precipitation is forecast in the southeastern part of the Mangystau region, the south of the Aktobe region and the southwest of the Kyzylorda region.