Reports circulating on social media about so-called “acid clouds” allegedly moving from Iran toward Central Asia are not supported by scientific data. National hydrometeorology services in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan say there is no threat to the region.
In recent days, social media posts claimed that strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure released large amounts of harmful substances into the atmosphere that could form “acid clouds.” However, specialists say these claims have no scientific basis.
Uzbekistan: no threat to the region
Uzbekistan’s Hydrometeorology Service (Uzhydromet) stated that information about possible transport of “acid clouds” to Central Asia is scientifically unfounded.
According to the agency, acid precipitation forms when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) accumulate in the atmosphere and react with water vapor in clouds. Such processes usually occur near pollution sources such as major industrial facilities or power plants.
When air masses travel long distances, the concentration of pollutants decreases significantly due to atmospheric mixing and particle deposition.
“Based on meteorological observations and air quality monitoring, there is no threat of ‘acid clouds’ reaching Uzbekistan or neighboring countries,” Uzhydromet said.
Kazakhstan: monitoring data shows no risk
Kazakhstan’s national hydrometeorology service Kazhydromet expressed a similar position.
The agency stressed that reports about “acid clouds” supposedly moving toward Central Asia are not supported by scientific data or air quality monitoring results.
Specialists explained that acid precipitation forms from sulfur and nitrogen oxides released mainly by industry, energy production and transport, and usually develops near emission sources.
“When air masses travel long distances, the concentration of these substances decreases significantly due to natural atmospheric processes,” Kazhydromet noted.
Monitoring data show no signs that such pollutants are moving toward Kazakhstan or other Central Asian countries.
Kyrgyzstan: situation under monitoring
Authorities in Kyrgyzstan also say they are monitoring the situation.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision Asel Raimkulova said the country’s hydrometeorology service is tracking atmospheric conditions using automated monitoring stations.
However, Kyrgyzhydromet clarified that its main task is weather forecasting and it does not conduct extensive chemical analysis of precipitation.
Experts interviewed by journalists say it is highly unlikely that possible pollution from Iran could reach Central Asia.
Why “acid clouds” cannot travel thousands of kilometers
Specialists explain that acid precipitation is linked to local atmospheric processes. Rain or snow forms from water vapor and aerosols present directly in the air above a specific area.
As air masses travel long distances, pollutant concentrations decrease due to atmospheric turbulence, vertical mixing, and dry and wet deposition processes.
As a result, the formation of dangerous acid precipitation thousands of kilometers away from the pollution source is considered virtually impossible.
So far, Tajikistan’s authorities have not issued official statements on the issue. However, hydrometeorology services in neighboring countries agree that there is no threat of “acid clouds” moving from Iran to Central Asia.
