Kyiv is expected to experience a significant deterioration in air quality in the coming days due to the movement of fine dust. According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre, a dust storm formed in the Caspian lowland will hit the city on 1 October. The impact of this storm will last until Friday, after which a change in wind direction to the south and west may improve the situation.
According to forecasts, on 1 and 2 October, the level of dust in Kyiv will increase significantly due to the transfer of dust from the Caspian region. A large-scale dust storm is currently taking place in the Caspian lowlands, causing high levels of dust concentration in the air. The wind carries dust particles not only to Kyiv but also to Poltava, Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as Cherkasy and Kirovohrad regions.
The situation is exacerbated by local soil dryness, as the wind kicks up small particles of soil, increasing the level of dust. Doctors recommend minimising time spent outside, closing windows, avoiding physical activity outdoors and drinking more water during this period.
In addition, on 1 October, Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy regions are expected to experience an additional deterioration in air quality due to the spread of carbon monoxide from smoky areas in the north-east.
Earlier it was reported that residents of Dnipro, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, and occupied Luhansk have already felt the effects of air pollution.
