National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

During the night of 29–30 October, air quality in Tashkent deteriorated amid unfavourable meteorological conditions. In the evening, according to the international Air Quality Index (AQI), air quality was predominantly rated as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”. After midnight, it worsened to the “Unhealthy” category, with readings at some monitoring stations reaching the “Very Unhealthy” level. According to the national air quality index, the citywide average PM2.5 level fell within the “yellow” category, while PM10 levels were classified as “orange”.

The deterioration in air quality was driven by falling temperatures, very light winds and a pronounced temperature inversion. These conditions restricted air circulation in the lower atmosphere, allowing fine particulate matter (PM) and emissions from local sources to accumulate near the ground. The prolonged stagnation of air masses over the city further hindered the dispersion of pollutants.

According to Meteosat satellite imagery, no significant dust transport was observed in Tashkent or the surrounding areas. Under these conditions, air pollution was caused primarily by emissions from local sources, combined with unfavourable meteorological factors.

In addition, specialists from the National Centre for Environmental Monitoring conducted instrumental measurements of ambient air quality in the Yunusabad, Almazar, Mirzo-Ulugbek, Shaykhantahur, Mirobod and Yangihayot districts of Tashkent. The results showed that PM2.5 concentrations predominantly fell within the “Unhealthy” category.

According to the forecast, air quality in Tashkent on 30 October is expected to remain at the “Unhealthy” level under the international AQI, while the national air quality index is expected to remain predominantly within the “yellow” category.