Rain in early February and a blizzard: what is going on with the weather in Astana

Tengrinews.kz – Heavy rain hit Astana on 5 February. And already this morning a lot of snow fell, with thermometers showing around 0°C. What kind of weather can the capital expect.
On the morning of 6 February, residents of Astana saw heavy snowfall outside their windows. During the night, however, there had been heavy rain in the city, leaving the streets covered with ice.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Nadezhda Lykova
But the fresh snow has “covered up all the traces of the crime,” wrapping the city in a white blanket.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
At the same time, the temperature in the city is now about 4 degrees below zero. How long the snow will remain “untouched” is unknown.

Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
On the roads, sidewalks, and in crowded places, the beauty quickly turns into slush.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
This makes walking difficult. Add to that the wind and snow blowing straight into your face.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova

“At least it’s not that cold,” think the residents of the capital.

Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
Meanwhile, public utility crews are working in reinforced mode — the streets must be cleared quickly because the snow is falling nonstop.

Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
According to the Astana city administration, as of the morning of 6 February, 3,128 road workers and 1,768 units of special equipment have been mobilized to clear the city of snow.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
In addition to clearing snow, utility workers are spreading salt on sidewalks, because due to above-zero temperatures during the day and melting precipitation, ice forms again by evening.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
We did not notice any major traffic accidents, but it seems gridlock will be hard to avoid.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
According to forecasters, heavy precipitation, mainly in the form of snow, will persist in Astana on Friday. Ice and ground blizzard are also expected. Southwesterly wind shifting to northwesterly at 9–14 m/s, with gusts of 15–20 m/s in the morning and during the day. Air temperature at night and during the day will be -1…-3°C, with a further drop.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
Ground blizzard and snow are also forecast for Saturday, 7 February. Southwesterly wind 9–14 m/s. The air temperature, however, will drop sharply to -17…-19°C, with daytime temperatures of -14…-16°C.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz/ Marzhan Kuandykova
The Astana city administration urges residents and guests of the capital to be cautious on the roads and, if possible, to refrain from long-distance trips. In emergencies, people should call 112.