Air quality in Tashkent expected to improve on October 29

The National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change warned about a probable temporary decrease in the quality of atmospheric air in Tashkent on the night of October 24.

According to the agency, an increase in the concentration of fine particles PM2.5 and PM10 is forecast during the evening and night. This may lead to the air reaching a 'unfavorable' level according to the international Air Quality Index (AQI). Meanwhile, according to the national air quality index, indicators are likely to remain within the 'yellow' zone.

The main factors contributing to the accumulation of pollutants are cited as the drop in temperature at night, weak wind movement, and strong temperature inversion. In such meteorological conditions, the exchange of air in the lower layers of the atmosphere is restricted, causing a concentration of fine dust particles directly near the Earth's surface.

It is expected that after sunrise and as the temperature inversion weakens, air quality will begin to slowly recover. However, in the morning hours in some parts of the capital, values on the international AQI scale may remain at a level considered 'unfavorable for sensitive groups.' A special commission is continuously monitoring the air quality in the city.

According to data presented at the briefing, air quality in Tashkent showed improvement in 2026 compared to the previous year. The average concentration of PM2.5 decreased by 28%, and the level of PM10 decreased by 32% between January 1 and October 19.

Nevertheless, natural dust continues to be the largest individual source of air pollution in the city, especially during the autumn period. This was reported by Doniyor Turgunov, director of the Scientific and Hydrometeorological Institute at Green University, during a briefing held at the Content Preparation Center for Mass Media.

Reasons for deteriorating air quality in autumn

Several factors contribute to the deterioration of atmospheric air quality in autumn, including meteorological conditions. As the daylight hours shorten, the surface cools rapidly at night, leading to the formation of temperature inversion near the ground. In this inversion, warmer air traps colder air close to the ground.

The height of the atmospheric mixing layer drops from 2–3 km in summer to several hundred meters. Weaker winds further restrict the dispersion of pollutants, allowing emissions to accumulate over the city. Stable high-pressure areas on the periphery of the Siberian anticyclone can maintain these conditions for several days.

Another significant factor is natural dust. Central Asia is located in one of the world's largest dust belts, from which dust from the Caspian region, Kyzylkum, the Aral Sea, and southern Balkhash spreads across the region. September and October are usually relatively dry months, and limited precipitation facilitates the lifting of soil dust into the air.

Sources of PM2.5 pollution

A study conducted by the World Bank in collaboration with the Environmental Committee of Uzbekistan showed the distribution of annual PM2.5 pollution sources in Tashkent: wind dust accounts for 36%, building heating for 28%, transport for 16%, and industry for 13%. Other sources include urban dust and waste burning. These proportions change depending on the season.

The World Bank's 2025 report 'Air Quality Management in Central Asia' suggests that soil and desert dust account for 20% to 50% of the annual PM2.5 impact in the region's cities, which is significantly higher than in other parts of the world. Natural dust is responsible for over 80% of PM2.5 impact in Turkmenistan and is the main source in the western regions of the country, the Caspian region, and central Kazakhstan. In Tashkent, dust remains the largest individual source, while autumn pollution is exacerbated by fuel combustion emissions during the heating season.

The contribution of various sources was estimated by analyzing the chemical composition of PM2.5 samples collected in specialized laboratories in three districts of Tashkent: Yunusabad, at Green University; Almazar, on the territory of Tashkent State Technical University; and Mirzo-Ulubek, at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Machinery Builders.

From September 28 to October 6, components related to natural dust accounted for 52% to 78% of the samples, averaging 64%. On October 13–14, this share was 47%–52%.

Improvement in air quality indicators

Data from automatic monitoring stations in Tashkent indicate that the average PM2.5 concentration decreased by 28%, and the PM10 concentration decreased by 32% between January 1 and October 19, 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. The improvement was also noticeable in autumn: from September 1 to October 19, PM2.5 levels decreased by 28%, and PM10 by 37% compared to last year. In the first 19 days of October, the corresponding decreases reached 40% and 56%, respectively.

Last year, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the 'unhealthy' category for 11 days. In 2026, no such days were recorded during the corresponding period, according to information presented at the briefing. The number of days when air quality, measured by PM2.5, was rated as 'moderate' or better increased from 21 to 38.

According to data from the city's sanitary and epidemiological services, Tashkent is experiencing a seasonal increase in acute respiratory viral infections. Laboratory tests also confirm the presence of Influenza A cases.

According to information provided by Dilfuza Rasulova, head of the epidemiological department of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of Tashkent, no cluster outbreaks have been recorded in either children's institutions or among adult workers in the capital.

Rasulova explained that the spread of airborne infections usually intensifies with the onset of the autumn-winter period. Current monitoring indicates a seasonal rise in morbidity, including a slight increase in cases among younger children compared to previous months.

Specialists at the city's sanitary and epidemiological institutions are monitoring the situation daily. The virology laboratory of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee of the city is recording cases of Influenza A.

Recommendations for the Population

Dilfuza Rasulova advised people experiencing symptoms of respiratory illnesses to stay home and avoid visiting educational institutions, kindergartens, and other organized groups. Anyone showing signs of malaise should consult a family doctor and follow prescribed recommendations, including bed rest.

To reduce the risk of infecting others, patients are recommended, if possible, to stay in a separate room and use personal utensils. Medical masks should be worn if necessary. It is also important to regularly ventilate rooms and clean enclosed spaces to reduce the concentration of viral particles.

Furthermore, Rasulova emphasized the importance of vaccination against seasonal influenza. She gave a special recommendation for vaccination to young children, individuals over 65 years old, pregnant women, and those who are frequently ill. According to her, vaccination helps reduce both the probability of infection and the risk of complications.

Residents of the capital were strongly urged to participate in the vaccination campaign, as flu vaccines are available at private vaccination centers in Tashkent.