According to Uzbekistan's Hydrometeorological Service (Uzhydromet), on March 12, air quality deteriorated sharply across much of the country, including the capital Tashkent. A combination of weak winds, high humidity, and nocturnal cooling of the ground layer led to the formation of dense haze and fog.

Experts link the situation to a temperature inversion phenomenon. A layer of warm air in the atmosphere blocks vertical mixing of air masses, causing pollutants, including dust and fine particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, to concentrate in the ground layer.

The agency emphasized that the phenomenon is temporary. Air quality will improve with changes in synoptic processes: as wind strengthens or precipitation occurs, accumulated particles will be washed away, and the air will return to normal.

Residents are urged to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and use respiratory protection, especially for people with chronic respiratory diseases.

Source: podrobno.uz