Unfavorable meteorological conditions that trap pollutants in the air are expected in five Kazakh cities on October 11. According to Kazhydromet, the warning covers Uralsk, Almaty, Astana, Atyrau and Aktobe, the website infohub.kz reports.
Such conditions form when calm air, light wind, fog or a temperature inversion combine. Under these circumstances, pollutants disperse less effectively and accumulate in the surface layer of the atmosphere.
Pollution levels are also affected by precipitation, humidity and temperature. The unfavorable weather conditions forecast, however, warns specifically of a risk of deteriorating air quality rather than confirming that permissible concentrations of harmful substances have been exceeded.
Residents are advised to spend less time outdoors during unfavorable weather conditions, especially near highways and other sources of pollution. Children and pregnant women are advised to avoid long walks. People with chronic lung, cardiovascular and allergic diseases should carry necessary medications. In addition, outdoor physical activity should be limited, and sports activities moved indoors.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that storm warnings were issued for 14 regions of Kazakhstan on October 11 due to fog, strong wind and high fire danger. In the area of the Alakol lakes, wind gusts may reach 17–22 m/s.