Uzhydromet rejects claims that “acid clouds” from Iran could reach Central Asia

According to Uzhydromet, recent online posts suggested that “acid clouds” allegedly formed over Iran could move toward Central Asian countries and cause hazardous rainfall.

However, the agency stated that such scenarios are extremely unlikely from a scientific standpoint.

“Acid precipitation forms when sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides accumulate in the atmosphere over a long period and react chemically with water vapor in clouds,” the agency explained.

These processes are typically observed near major industrial areas or direct emission sources, rather than far from them.

Uzhydromet noted that when air masses travel long distances, the concentration of pollutants decreases sharply.

This reduction occurs due to atmospheric turbulence, vertical mixing, and processes such as dry and wet deposition. As a result, the formation of hazardous acid precipitation thousands of kilometers away from the original source is almost impossible, the agency said.

The agency also explained that precipitation forms primarily through local cloud formation processes, meaning rainfall is mainly generated from water vapor and aerosols present in the atmosphere directly above a particular region.

According to meteorological observations and air quality monitoring data, there is currently no evidence of acid clouds moving toward Uzbekistan or neighboring states.

Uzhydromet urged media outlets and social media users to avoid spreading unverified or false information and to rely only on official sources.

The agency also reminded that disseminating false or unconfirmed information in the media or on social platforms may lead to legal liability under existing legislation.

Concerns followed fires in Tehran

Concerns about potential environmental effects emerged after Israeli military strikes on fuel storage facilities in Tehran, which triggered large fires and covered parts of the Iranian capital with thick smoke.

Reports indicated that the fires released toxic substances into the atmosphere and caused so-called “oil rain” in the city, raising questions about possible environmental consequences for the wider region.