Deterioration of atmospheric air quality expected in Tashkent on the night of October 30

On the night of October 27 to 28, Tashkent faced air pollution. Due to the lack of wind and falling temperatures, harmful substances could not disperse and accumulated near the ground surface. Specialists recorded dangerously high concentrations of fine PM2.5 particles in five districts of the city.

According to environmental monitoring data, the air quality in the capital was at a 'unfavorable' level according to the international AQI index during the night. At some stations, indicators reached the 'very unfavorable' category. According to the national index, the average pollution level of PM2.5 particles was assessed as 'yellow', and for PM10 as 'orange'.

Measurements were conducted in Yunusabad, Almazar, Yangiha'it, Sergeli, and Yashnabad districts, where the 'very unfavorable' category was observed at all points. Specialist forecasts indicate that on the afternoon of October 28, the air quality in the capital will remain 'unfavorable' according to the international AQI index. On the national scale, a 'yellow' level is expected primarily, although it may periodically rise to 'orange', and the situation may also remain dangerous in the evening.

Environmentalists advise the population: children, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those suffering from heart and respiratory diseases, are advised to avoid being outdoors in the evening and at night. If going outside is necessary, a protective mask should be used, and time spent outdoors should be minimized. It is recommended to keep windows closed in residential premises to prevent the infiltration of polluted air.

A specialized atmospheric laboratory operates in Tashkent, which studies the composition of the air and determines the main sources of pollution. This work is necessary to understand the factors contributing to the accumulation of harmful impurities and to develop measures to combat them.

The National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change warned about a probable temporary decrease in the quality of atmospheric air in Tashkent on the night of October 24.

According to the agency, an increase in the concentration of fine particles PM2.5 and PM10 is forecast during the evening and night. This may lead to the air reaching a 'unfavorable' level according to the international Air Quality Index (AQI). Meanwhile, according to the national air quality index, indicators are likely to remain within the 'yellow' zone.

The main factors contributing to the accumulation of pollutants are cited as the drop in temperature at night, weak wind movement, and strong temperature inversion. In such meteorological conditions, the exchange of air in the lower layers of the atmosphere is restricted, causing a concentration of fine dust particles directly near the Earth's surface.

It is expected that after sunrise and as the temperature inversion weakens, air quality will begin to slowly recover. However, in the morning hours in some parts of the capital, values on the international AQI scale may remain at a level considered 'unfavorable for sensitive groups.' A special commission is continuously monitoring the air quality in the city.