What winter will look like in Kazakhstan: forecasters release seasonal outlook

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan is heading into a winter of sharp temperature swings, with thaws alternating with waves of intense cold, according to the seasonal forecast released by Kazhydromet.
Forecasters say the 2025–2026 winter will be marked by “temperature swings,” as warm spells give way to powerful Arctic outbreaks.
December
Overall, December is expected to be warmer than usual, with precipitation near the climatic norm. Snowfall, blizzards, strong winds, ice, and fog will dominate, though southern warm fronts may occasionally bring rain or wet snow.
According to Marina Schmidt, director of Kazhydromet’s weather forecasting center, the coldest spell of the month is expected at the end of the first ten-day period in the north, east, and central regions:

Night temperatures: –23 to –28°C
Daytime temperatures: –13 to –18°C

Later in the month, nighttime temperatures will fluctuate between –15 to –20°C and –5 to –10°C, while daytime readings may rise to +2°C before dropping again to –5 to –10°C.
In the east, some days may be even colder:

Nights: –25 to –35°C
Days: –15 to –20°C

In western and southern regions, early December will be relatively mild, with daytime temperatures at +5 to +10°C. By late in the first ten-day period, the weather is expected to shift sharply:

Nights: –12 to –17°C
Days: –3 to –8°C

Temperature fluctuations will continue until the end of the month, with nights varying from 0 to –12°C and days generally between 0 and +8°C.
January, February, and March
For most of Kazakhstan, January temperatures are expected to be within the climatic norm, with slightly colder conditions — about 1°C below average — in the east. Precipitation levels will also be near normal, with higher amounts expected in mountainous and foothill areas in the south and southeast.
February and March 2026 are forecast to be warmer than usual, with moderate precipitation. In March, mountain and foothill regions of the south and southeast may see above-normal precipitation.