
Chilla in Uzbekistan means 41°C in the shade today, and 43°C is expected in the coming days. That’s the temperature in the capital — in the regions, it’s even higher. In direct sunlight, it likely reaches 60°C. You can’t even touch the car door — it’s scorching hot.
What is Chilla?
Chilla, also known as saraton, is forty days of relentless, windless summer heat during the hottest part of the year. Luckily, there’s no rain — high humidity would make it unbearable.
When Does Chilla Start in Uzbekistan?
Chilla usually begins around June 25 and lasts until the first days of August.
How Do People in Uzbekistan Endure Chilla?
Some go abroad for vacation, others head to rivers or cooler mountain areas. Those who stay in the city carry water bottles everywhere and put wet cotton scarves on their necks — evaporation cools the body. Oddly enough, umbrellas are seen less often now, perhaps because people just avoid going outside.
In our apartment, every room has an air conditioner running 24/7, because in panel high-rise buildings the indoor temperature can be even higher than outside. Most cars have AC too. Offices, shops, and kiosks — all are equipped with cooling. Some even tried to install air conditioning at bus stops.
Chilla in Tashkent: Features of Urban Heat
At least the markets and stores are filled with summer goods — peaches, apricots, cherries, sweet cherries, apples, plums, all types of melons, watermelons, pink and red tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, eggplants, zucchinis, corn, and early grapes. And ice cream. Lots of ice cream. Plenty of green tea — even bottled in plastic. Mineral water, lemonade. And everywhere — air conditioners.
Chopped or severely pruned trees raise air temperatures in Tashkent. Shade is hard to find on the streets.
Tips for Surviving Chilla
Uzbekistan’s Emergency Ministry has issued special guidance on how to behave during extreme heat: take showers, wear hats, stay hydrated, consume salt, wear light-colored clothing, and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid going outside during the day unless absolutely necessary. Turn on the air conditioner.
Chilla Is a Form of Extreme
It’s like climbing Mount Everest — only it comes to everyone in Uzbekistan every year. The only way out is to endure it.