BELHYDROMET

Belhydromet presents current data on the state of ambient air in the capital based on observations from automatic monitoring stations.

Observation results
During the period from March 23 and the first half of March 24, 2026, slight exceedances of hygienic air quality standards were recorded for the following indicators:
- particulate matter (fraction up to 2.5 microns, fine dust);
- nitrogen oxide.
An increase in nitrogen oxide concentrations was observed in the morning hours — during peak traffic intensity. No exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations were detected for other pollutants.

Causes of increased pollution in spring
The annual rise in particulate matter (dust) content in the air during spring is due to a combination of factors:
- fires in natural ecosystems and the transport of smoke;
- emissions from fuel combustion (mobile and stationary sources);
- industrial processes;
- road surface abrasion;
- wear of automobile tires.
Meteorological conditions
The formation of unfavorable conditions for pollutant dispersion was influenced by the anticyclonic weather pattern established in March:
- a prolonged period of warm and dry weather with a lack of precipitation, hindering the natural settling of suspended particles;
- calm weather with descending air currents, preventing turbulent air mixing;
- the formation of surface inversions;
- the influx of smoke from natural fires (according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, an increase in the number of such cases has been recorded recently).
These factors contributed to the accumulation of pollutants in the surface layer of the air, which is why Minsk residents may have noticed an unpleasant smell of smoke in various parts of the city.

Measures taken
In order to reduce anthropogenic pressure and regulate emissions, Belhydromet took the following actions:
- on the morning of March 23, a first-category warning about adverse meteorological conditions was sent to major industrial and motor transport enterprises in Minsk;
- enterprises received recommendations on adjusting operational modes to minimize emissions during periods conducive to pollutant accumulation.

Belhydromet continues to monitor the ambient air quality in Minsk and urges citizens to be environmentally conscious, especially during periods of adverse meteorological conditions.

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