Kazakhstan braces for drought in May across most regionsKazakhstan is expected to experience hot and dry weather across most of the country in May, raising concerns about drought conditions, the country’s environment and natural resources minister said Monday.“Droughts are expected in May in the southern part of the Kostanay region, the southwestern of the West Kazakhstan and Mangistau regions, the northwestern part of the Kyzylorda region, the north of the Almaty and Zhambyl regions, the south of the Karaganda region, and in some parts of the Aktobe, Atyrau, Abay and Turkistan regions,” Minister Yerlan Nysanbayev said a Tuesday meeting of the government.Nysanbayev said that the past winter was unusually warm and snowy in most areas, providing good initial soil moisture.“However, the unusually hot April led to accelerated evaporation and rapid moisture loss. In West Kazakhstan, soil moisture during the sowing period is expected to be insufficient. Therefore, it is recommended that spring planting in grain-producing regions be carried out earlier than usual,” the minister said.Looking ahead, average air temperatures in June are expected to remain within the seasonal norm, ranging from 17–20°C in the north and center to 23–25°C in the west.July is also forecast to bring average seasonal temperatures, although eastern and southeastern regions may experience temperatures about one degree Celsius above normal.“According to preliminary forecasts, August and September are expected to be favorable for crop formation and harvest operations. No prolonged or heavy rainfall is expected, and monthly average temperatures across most of the country are predicted to be about one degree above normal,” Nysanbayev said. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX