Record Spring Heat Scorches Central Asian Nations

Central Asia is enduring a record-breaking spring heatwave, with all five regional countries reporting abnormally high temperatures over the past three months, some hitting historic highs.

The region—comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan—is especially vulnerable to climate change, with agriculture-dependent economies already strained by water shortages and droughts impacting harvests and energy production.

Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, reached a record 37.1°C (98.8°F) on Saturday, the highest ever for May, according to its meteorological service. In Turkmenistan, Ashgabat recorded 40°C (104°F) in April—the hottest April temperature since records began in 1891.

Uzbekistan also saw record heat in April, with some areas registering temperatures five degrees above average. Kazakhstan, which had