Tashkent PM2.5 Levels Fall 28% in 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Average concentrations of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in Tashkent fell by 28% between 1 January and 19 October 2026, while PM10 concentrations declined by 32% compared with the same period last year, according to data from automated monitoring stations.

The figures were presented on 21 October by Doniyor Turgunov, director of the Research Hydrometeorological Institute at Green University, during a briefing at the Media Content Training Centre.

The decline was even more pronounced in autumn. From 1 September to 19 October, PM2.5 concentrations fell by 28% and PM10 levels by 37%.

During the first 19 days of October, the respective indicators dropped by 40% and 56%. During the same period last year, Tashkent’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the “unhealthy” level on 11 days. No such days were recorded this year. The number of days when PM2.5 air quality was rated “moderate” or better increased from 21 to 38.

Turgunov identified meteorological conditions as the main cause of autumn air pollution. Daylight hours become shorter, while the ground cools rapidly at night. This creates a surface temperature inversion, in which a layer of warm air traps colder air near the ground.

The height of the atmospheric mixing layer falls from 2–3 km in summer to several hundred metres, while winds weaken and pollutants accumulate over the city. Persistent high pressure on the periphery of the Siberian anticyclone can maintain these conditions for several days.

Natural dust is another contributing factor. Central Asia lies within one of the world’s largest dust belts. Dust from the deserts of the Caspian region, Kyzylkum, Aralkum and southern Balkhash spreads across the region. September and October are usually dry, making it easier for soil dust to become airborne.

According to a study by the World Bank and the Committee on Ecology, windblown dust accounts for 36% of annual PM2.5 emissions in Tashkent. Building heating contributes 28%, transport 16% and industry 13%. The remainder comes from urban dust and waste burning.

The World Bank’s 2025 report, Air Quality Management in Central Asia, states that soil and desert dust account for 20–50% of annual PM2.5 exposure in cities across the region. In Turkmenistan, the share exceeds 80%.

In autumn, the impact of dust in Tashkent combines with emissions from fuel combustion during the heating season.

The contribution of different pollution sources was determined by analysing the chemical composition of PM2.5 samples collected in the capital’s Yunusabad, Almazar and Mirzo-Ulugbek districts.

From 28 September to 6 October, natural dust accounted for between 52% and 78% of pollution, averaging 64%. On 13–14 October, its share ranged from 47% to 52%.

A number of measures are being implemented to improve air quality. In particular, Presidential Decree No. UP-229, dated 24 November 2025, established a Special Commission.