The key facts

  • On the night of October 24, Tashkent is expected to see rising concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 due to temperature inversion and weak wind
  • Under the international AQI the air may become 'unhealthy', under the national index — 'yellow'
  • From the morning a gradual improvement is forecast, but in some districts the air will remain 'unhealthy for sensitive groups'

Forecast for the night of October 24

On the night of October 24, a short-term deterioration of atmospheric air quality is expected in Tashkent. This was reported by the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change; the information was cited by Kun.uz, and a similar forecast is described by the outlet Zamon.uz. The cause is said to be unfavorable meteorological conditions: nighttime drop in air temperature, weak wind and a strong temperature inversion.

Expected pollution levels

According to the forecast, in the evening and nighttime hours the concentration of fine dust particles PM2.5 and PM10 in the air will increase. Under the international Air Quality Index (AQI), the air quality may reach the 'unhealthy' level. Under the national index, the indicator is expected to mostly remain at the 'yellow' level.

Natural mechanisms

Experts explain the situation by the fact that during a temperature inversion and weak wind, air exchange in the lower layers of the atmosphere is limited, and fine dust particles accumulate near the earth's surface.

Improvement from the morning

From the morning, as the temperature inversion weakens, air quality is forecast to gradually improve. Nevertheless, in the morning hours in some districts of the capital the air may remain at the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' level under the international index.

Monitoring

The quality of atmospheric air is constantly under monitoring by a special commission.