The persistent air pollution observed across Uzbekistan and specifically in Tashkent is allegedly driven by unfavorable meteorological conditions and natural factors, including severe precipitation deficits, wind patterns, and disrupted natural air exchange processes. This was stated by Farrukh Sattorov, Director of the National Climate Change Center, as authorities attempt to address the worsening urban environmental crisis.

As of October 26, the capital received only 3.9 millimeters of precipitation against the monthly norm of 23.7 millimeters, placing the figure nearly six times below the standard level. This moisture deficit supposedly slows down the natural washout of particulate matter, leading to a hazardous accumulation of dust in the atmosphere. Furthermore, scientific observations indicate that over the past decade, the cold half-year has seen a 57 percent increase in unfavorable meteorological events linked to strong winds and lack of precipitation compared to earlier periods, severely hindering the atmosphere's self-cleaning capacity.

Specialists from the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change cross-referenced ground-based monitoring station data with satellite imagery from October 1 to 26 using the international SILAM atmospheric composition modeling system. The analysis purportedly confirmed a direct correlation between incoming dust masses and spikes in the AQI air quality index: while precipitation on October 4–5 kept the index at a modest 66–71, subsequent dry days saw severe deterioration.

According to imagery from the European EUMETSAT platform and the Meteosat meteorological satellite, massive accumulations of dense dust clouds were detected over Tashkent and the Tashkent region, as well as parts of the Syrdarya and Jizzakh regions, on October 25 and 26. Experts project that the adverse impacts of this dust front and related air pollution hazards will likely persist into the early days of the coming week.

Source: podrobno.uz