Tehran is predicted to see a temperature rise over the next two months, which could exacerbate dust and ozone pollution in the capital.
"Typically, July 6-September 6 is the hottest period of the year, witnessing record high temperatures. While summer has already arrived, the temperature of the atmosphere has yet to hit its highest levels… So Tehran is expected to get warmer in the coming days and weeks," said the head of Forecasting and Early Warning Office at the Iran Meteorological Organization, Ahad Vazifeh. The sunlight contributes to the rise in ozone levels, Vazifeh said, adding, "Lower frequency of cloudy weather and the more intense sunlight in the summer result in greater amounts of ozone to be formed in the lower atmosphere."
He noted that unlike ozone in the upper layers of atmosphere, which protects the earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays, ozone in the lower layers close to the ground is harmful to humans, ISNA reported.
The hot summer months will also see higher concentrations of PM10 (particulate matter of 10 µg or less) due to rising temperatures and lack of rain that leave the earth's surface dry leading to the rise of dust, Vazifeh added.
