“The number of anomalous hot and dry days is increasing” – Uzhydromet

Rising temperatures are not the only indicator of climate change. Global warming is primarily leading to an increase in various weather anomalies. The Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, Petteri Taalas, noted that extreme events have become a new norm in human life.

The frequency and intensity of anomalous hot periods in spring and summer are increasing. Island areas are more prone to this phenomenon. Over the past 5 years, the maximum air temperature records in this region have been updated almost every year.

The number of days when the temperature was 40 degrees and above increased. In the desert areas, in the north and south of the republic, the number of unusually hot days ranged from 25 to 40 days (the norm is 15-30 days).

The duration of dry periods is increasing, leading to an increase in atmospheric drought and water scarcity. In recent years, the number of days with atmospheric drought is 50-80 days, with an average perennial value of 30-70 days.

Storm winds cause dust mites to form and spread. In early November 2021, for the first time in Tashkent, as well as in Tashkent and Syrdarya regions, anomalous natural phenomenon – dust storms with a decrease in visibility to 100-200 m was observed.

Existing standards do not allow the detection of dust particles in the air (RM 2.5). WHO standards on air quality differ from existing standards in Uzbekistan. There is a need to develop air quality standards taking into account international requirements, as well as the natural and climatic conditions of Uzbekistan.

To overcome this problem, Uzhydromet developed and submitted to the Ministry of Innovation a project “Creation of a national information platform and mobile application for monitoring air quality in Uzbekistan on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of air pollution and aerogenic risk to public health”. The project will develop air quality standards in accordance with international standards, study the impact of harmful substances in the air on human health.

Today, 92 meteorological stations operate in the Uzhydromet monitoring network, 21 of which are included in the global information exchange system.

Meteorological observations in Uzbekistan began with the opening of the meteorological station at the Tashkent Astronomical Observatory in September 1867, and daily observations of air temperature and precipitation were carried out.

In accordance with the recommendations of the World Meteorological Organization, since 1970, the period has been changed from 4 days of observation to 8 days and nights of meteorological observation.