The key facts

  • On the night of November 7 and during evening hours, Tashkent air quality is forecast to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' on the AQI scale and 'Yellow' on the national index.
  • The deterioration is linked to cooling temperatures, weak winds, and temperature inversion.
  • During ongoing raids, 95 facilities in Tashkent and the region were inspected; October air quality was better than the same period last year.

Weekend Forecast

The Environmental Committee has warnedthat air quality in Tashkent may deteriorate during the night and evening hours of November 7 due to adverse weather conditions, leading to increased concentrations of PM particles. According to forecasts, the AQI index will reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level at night, while the national index will indicate a 'Yellow' level.

Why Air Becomes Stagnant

As explained by the Committee, nighttime cooling, weak winds, and temperature inversion restrict air exchange in the lower atmospheric layers, slowing the dispersion of pollutants and PM particles generated within the city and surrounding areas. However, fast-moving air masses from the west are expected to aid in dispersing these pollutants.

Daily Trends

On the morning of November 7, air quality is expected to improve to a 'Moderate' level on the AQI scale, but during the day, weak winds may cause particle concentrations to rise again, potentially reaching an 'Unhealthy' level. On November 8, conditions are forecast to be mostly 'Moderate' and 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,' while the morning of November 9 is expected to be 'Moderate.' According to the national index, these days will predominantly feature a 'Yellow' level with brief 'Orange' periods. Improvement is anticipated during daytime hours due to warming and changes in vertical air exchange. A special commission continues monitoring.

Raids and Overall Context

Raids aimed at improving air quality are continuing on a 24/7 basis: during recent inspections, the operations of 95 facilities in Tashkent and the region were reviewed. According to the Committee, on the day of publication air quality in the capital reached a 'Green' level, and overall, October demonstrated better air quality compared to the same period last year. Thus, the warning pertains specifically to a short-term deterioration over the weekend, against the backdrop of a generally positive trend for the month.