Frontal collision forces Tashkent into a dusty dilemma

On May 17, a severe dust storm swept over Tashkent, sparking widespread debate on social media and concern among residents. Deputy of the Legislative Chamber, Bakhtiyor Pulatov, provided his expert opinion on the incident, citing insights from environmental specialists.

According to Botir Kholmurodov, a doctoral candidate at the Institute of Environmental Protection Technologies, several factors contributed to the dust storm in Tashkent. He explained that the primary cause was the collision between a cool northern airflow and a warm air mass arriving from the south. This clash created an unusual spike in atmospheric pressure and resulted in sharply intensified winds. The stark temperature difference between these air masses generated strong gusts capable of lifting and dispersing dust.

Reports indicated that in some areas the wind speed exceeded 20 m/s. Such powerful winds stirred up dust particles from the dried soil and open land, significantly reducing visibility and making breathing difficult. Atmospheric experts referred to this meteorological phenomenon as a “frontal collision”—a dynamic event where cold and warm air masses meet, destabilizing the atmosphere and triggering severe dust and wind conditions. The episode in Tashkent was accompanied by cloudy skies, flashes of lightning, and brief rain showers.

Additionally, on May 17, Tashkent ranked among the world’s most polluted large cities, placing 1st or 2nd globally based on particulate matter concentrations. The ferocious winds also led to temporary power outages with 8,500 subscribers in Tashkent city and 10,300 in the Tashkent region experiencing disruptions, as some power lines were turned off to safeguard public safety.