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Residents of Almaty were taken by surprise today by a dramatic shift in weather, as a sudden, powerful wind swept through the city, blanketing the sky in thick clouds. The unusual natural phenomenon has sparked considerable discussion among locals, with many sharing videos and observations on social media.

Unforeseen Gusts and Darkening Skies

Eyewitness accounts describe a rapid intensification of the wind, causing the city's sky to darken quickly. Some residents reported that the wind's force was so intense that it caused vibrations in their homes, rattling windows and even shaking roofs.

Expert Explanation: The 'Shelf Cloud' Phenomenon

The striking cloud formations accompanying the wind have been identified by experts as a 'shelf cloud' or 'roll cloud.' These are typically horizontal, tube-shaped clouds that form at the leading edge of a thunderstorm. They are often associated with strong, gusty winds.

One resident shared on the Threads platform, "Since morning, we've observed a unique natural phenomenon – ChatGPT identified it as a shelf cloud, or roll cloud. You can see the warm air (smog) accumulating upwards with this cloud. This means Almaty will breathe clean air for several more days." This suggests a potential, albeit temporary, improvement in air quality due to the weather event.

Wider Impact Beyond Almaty

The strong winds were not confined to Almaty alone. Reports indicate similar weather conditions in other cities. Shymkent experienced strong winds and thunderstorms overnight, while Bishkek also registered powerful gusts.

In the Zhambyl region, wind speeds reached up to 30 meters per second. According to the regional administration, the roofs of 25 structures in 7 settlements were damaged. Power outages affected 13 settlements, and gas supply disruptions occurred in 3 settlements. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. Communal services are currently operating in an enhanced mode to address the damage.

This event contrasted with forecasts from Kazhydromet, which had only predicted fog for Almaty, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the day's weather.