Extreme heat has gripped Shymkent، forcing residents to stay indoors and leaving streets deserted during the day، with only a few pedestrians seeking shade، reports infohub.kz.
Outdoor thermometers are soaring، with some failing under the scorching sun. Social media videos show a thermometer reading nearly 66°C. Even a short walk can lead to headaches and feeling unwell.
Health officials urge precautions. "It's best to plan outdoor errands before 11 a.m.، remain indoors or in the shade between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.، wear a hat، and most importantly، stay hydrated. If someone feels unwell، move them to a cool place، give them water، apply a cool compress، but avoid direct air conditioning—cooling should be gradual،" advised Zhanat Abildanova، head of substation No. 4 of the ambulance station.
Forecasters say the heat wave will last through the week with little chance of rain. "Dry air masses from Uzbekistan will continue to affect southern and eastern Kazakhstan، keeping it hot and mostly dry. Daytime temperatures in the south will reach 40–45°C، and in the east 33–38°C،" said synoptic engineer Aknur Aitbayeva.
With temperatures soaring، the number of people flocking to the Koshkar-Ata river has surged. The water remains around 11°C year-round. "When you first step in، it feels cold، but your body quickly warms up. You never feel chilly. The water is believed to have healing properties،" a resident said. The Koshkar-Ata spring is considered sacred، rich in beneficial minerals and trace elements. Not only locals but also visitors from other regions come here. As the heat intensifies، up to 15،000 people bathe daily. "They swim day and night. People start arriving at 5 a.m. Even at 1 or 2 a.m.، you'll find one to two thousand people here،" said caretaker Maratzhan Darkhanuly.
Authorities urge visitors to respect the historically and culturally significant site، follow safety rules، and avoid harming the environment. It is mandatory to take your trash with you.