Specialists in Tashkent have reported that air quality in the capital may experience short-term deterioration during night and morning hours until the end of the week. Authorities attribute this recurring environmental challenge to weak wind speeds and temperature inversions, which trap pollutants close to the ground surface.

Monitoring data gathered between 5:00 PM on October 6 and 10:00 AM on October 7 indicated that the average concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter in the capital reached 43.5 µg/m³, while PM10 levels stood at 97.2 µg/m³. Meanwhile, the international Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 117, representing a level deemed unhealthy for sensitive demographic groups. In certain districts, air quality was briefly categorized as outright unhealthy during the night.

Experts link the situation to wind speeds lingering around one meter per second alongside severe temperature inversion phenomena. Under such conditions, vertical atmospheric mixing is significantly diminished, hindering the natural dispersion of airborne pollutants. Officials warn that this pattern could persist periodically through the remainder of the week.

Previously, a Special Commission had already issued warnings regarding the potential for brief dust storms to hit Tashkent ahead of expected rainfall. Residents, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities, are advised to monitor environmental advisories closely.

Source: podrobno.uz