For the second day, high air pollution levels persisted in Tashkent and other provinces of Uzbekistan. From 6:00 PM Wednesday to 6:00 PM Thursday, Uzhydromet's automatic air monitoring stations recorded an average daily concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 195 μg/m³, or 3.2 times higher than the national norm (60 μg/m³ per day).
The average PM10 concentration was 302 μg/m³, within the national norm (300 μg/m³ per day).
The morning (9:00 AM) daily summary reported that the PM2.5 concentration was 202 μg/m³, 3.4 times higher than the national norm.
On Thursday afternoon, the highest PM2.5 concentration in Tashkent exceeded the permissible limit by 4.2 times near the Agricultural University, while the lowest was near New Uzbekistan Park, at 2.4 times.
Uzhydromet noted that persistent weather conditions were contributing to the spike. Specifically, a sharp drop in temperature in the evening creates a temperature inversion, where warm air is positioned above cold air (instead of the normal vice versa). This hinders vertical air movement, and stagnant air contributes to the accumulation of pollutants.
The agency warned that these weather conditions will persist throughout the country for several more days. Residents and visitors are urged to take precautions, including limiting their time outdoors and wearing masks when going outside.
