Deterioration of air quality in Kyiv caused by forest fires in Chornobyl zone – Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center

Large-scale forest fires are being extinguished in the Chornobyl zone. As a result, air quality may deteriorate in Kyiv and the surrounding region. It was reported by the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.

According to satellite monitoring data, from June 27 to 29, smoke plumes spread southward from the fire sites, leading to a deterioration in air quality and visibility in Kyiv, as well as in the Vyshhorod, Bucha, and Brovary Districts of the region.

As of today, the fires are still burning. According to weather forecasters, a north wind of 5–10 m/s is expected in the Kyiv region on June 30. With this wind direction, combustion products may continue to periodically spread toward Kyiv and certain districts of the region.

At the same time, meteorologists emphasized that radiation levels remain within normal limits. Furthermore, no exceedances of permissible concentrations of radionuclides were detected in atmospheric aerosol samples collected in Kyiv between June 26 and 29.

If you smell smoke or notice smoke in the air:

• limit your time outdoors as much as possible;
• close windows and ventilate rooms when air quality improves;
• people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, children, and the elderly should pay special attention to how they are feeling.

According to preliminary forecasts by meteorologists, wind speeds are expected to decrease on July 1, and the wind direction will gradually change, which should help reduce the likelihood of smoke drifting toward Kyiv.

As a reminder, on July 2, a cold front will approach Ukraine, leading to a relief from the heat.