Toxic dust in the air expected to persist until end of the week

Air pollution is expected to remain high until the end of the week, the Uzbekhydromet service has reported.

“According to forecasts for this week, the atmospheric inversion was expected to subside after November 24. However, updated meteorological data indicate that the inversion will persist until the end of next week,” the agency said.

The updated forecast notes that weather conditions preventing the mixing of air layers may continue until the end of the coming week.

During this period, fluctuations in air quality are normal, with levels changing throughout the day. Improvements in air quality will depend on factors such as air mass movement, stronger winds, or precipitation.

Uzbekhydromet reminded residents that it provides daily updates on key atmospheric indicators in the morning and evening through official channels.

“The current situation is natural, temporary, and seasonal. Authorized state bodies are continuously monitoring the situation and will take prompt action if necessary,” the statement added.

Earlier, on November 11, the concentration of harmful dust in Tashkent and Andijan significantly exceeded permissible levels. On November 16, fine particulate matter in Tashkent again rose several times above the norm. By November 20, Uzbekistan’s capital ranked second among the world’s largest cities for air pollution levels. Experts attribute the increase to inversions caused by abrupt temperature changes, which trap harmful particles near the ground. To improve air quality, the Tashkent Heat Power Plant in Yakkasaray district has stopped using fuel oil.