Spring Heat Breaks Records In Central Asia May 20, 2025

A representational image of the consequences of Climate Change (Freepik)

By AFP - Agence France Presse

Spring Heat Breaks Records In Central Asia

Central Asia has been gripped by a heatwave this spring, with all five countries reporting abnormally high—and in some cases, record-breaking —temperatures over the past three months.

The five ex-Soviet states that comprise the region are particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming.

Many work in the agricultural sector, which is already grappling with water shortages, while drought conditions have threatened harvests and hydropower generation.

Temperatures in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, reached a scorching 37.1 degrees Celsius (98.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, a record high for May, the country's meteorological service told AFP on Monday.

Several cities in neighbouring Uzbekistan experienced record-breaking heat in April, while temperatures in some regions exceeded the norm by up to five degrees.

In Turkmenistan, thermometers in the capital Ashgabat hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in April, the hottest for that month since records began in 1891, the country's meteorological service told AFP.

In Kazakhstan, which experienced an unusually warm winter, the government forecast drought in 11 regions this month.

In Tajikistan, authorities reported abnormal temperatures, without providing details.

March temperatures in Central Asia were up to 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than the pre-industrial average, according to World Weather Attribution, a coalition of scientists that studies the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.

Despite being as vast as Europe and rich in natural resources, Central Asia -- home to just around 80 million people -- remains relatively poor.

The region spans several climate zones but typically experiences hot, dry summers and cold, harsh winters.

aj-bk-cad/asy/rlp