Air quality worsens: 'Warning' episode declared for most of Sarajevo Canton

(Patria) - Due to the deterioration of air quality in the Sarajevo Canton (KS), and based on the report of the Expert Body, conditions have been met for the declaration of a "Warning" episode today for zones A, B, C and D (the urban area of Sarajevo, Ilidža, Vogošća, Ilijaš and Hadžići).

After a brief improvement, the past two days have seen a renewed increase in concentrations of pollutants, primarily particulate matter PM₁₀.

The average daily concentrations of PM₁₀ at all automatic monitoring stations in Sarajevo Canton were above the threshold for the "Warning" episode, and since this morning values exceeding 200 µg/m³ have been recorded at some locations.

In addition, exceedances of the permitted daily values of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) were recorded at monitoring stations in Ilijaš, Vogošća and Ilidža.

Unfavourable meteorological conditions are further contributing to the retention of pollution in the basin.

From 22 to 24 January, predominantly cloudy weather, light wind and the occurrence of temperature inversion are forecast, which could lead to further accumulation of pollutants, especially during the night and early morning hours.

A more significant improvement in air quality is expected from Sunday, 25 January.