The key facts

  • On the night of October 23–24, PM2.5 pollution at most monitoring points in Tashkent reached the 'unhealthy' and 'very unhealthy' AQI categories
  • The cause was cooling, weak wind and a temperature inversion, which limited air exchange
  • A 'moderate' AQI level was expected during the day on October 24, with possible deterioration in some districts by evening

Short-term deterioration of air quality

On the night of October 23–24, Tashkent experienced a short-term deterioration in ambient air quality, as reported by the Ecological Committee. In the evening and at night, air quality was mostly rated as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups', and in some districts as 'unhealthy'. At the same time, the national index remained at the 'yellow' level.

Causes and monitoring data

Experts attribute the deterioration to weather conditions: falling temperatures, weak wind and a pronounced temperature inversion hindered air exchange in the lower layers of the atmosphere, contributing to the accumulation of fine particulate matter near the ground. According to Meteosat satellite images, from 22:00 on October 23 to 09:00 on October 24, short-term dust pollution of the air was observed in Tashkent and surrounding areas. During the night, the Special Commission carried out instrumental observations in eight districts of the city: at most monitoring points, the level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution corresponded to the 'unhealthy' and 'very unhealthy' categories of the international AQI index.

Additional checks in the Yunusabad district

On the night of October 24, specialists from the Eco-Police of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, the National Center for Environmental Monitoring, the Tashkent City Administration for Ecology and Climate Change, and the Special Commission conducted additional observations in the Yunusabad district. Using a mobile environmental laboratory, they measured concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter as well as other pollutants. The specialists also checked whether enterprises, organizations and other pollution sources located in the area were complying with the requirements of legislation on the protection of atmospheric air.

Forecast for October 24

According to forecasts, today air quality will mostly correspond to the 'moderate' level on the international AQI index and the 'yellow' level on the national index. Closer to evening, deterioration to the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' category is possible in some districts. The Special Commission continues constant monitoring of ambient air quality. We note that 'Daryo' previously reported a possible temporary deterioration of air quality in Tashkent on the night of October 24.

Why it matters

The episode primarily affects sensitive groups of Tashkent residents — it is precisely to them that the AQI categories, to which the air deteriorated in some districts, apply. The facts cited imply practical changes: the authorities have stepped up control — the commission conducted nighttime measurements in eight districts, while eco-specialists with a mobile laboratory checked enterprises in the Yunusabad district for compliance with environmental legislation. It is not yet known whether the checks revealed violations: no results appear in the publications.