Black skies declared in Russia: Warning issued for Kemerovo and Novokuznetsk
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia's Kemerovo (Kubas) region issued an official warning today regarding deteriorating weather conditions in several major industrial cities, activating what is known in the media as a "black sky" alert. The warning covers the city of Novokuznetsk, the Novokuznetsk administrative district, and the city of Prokopyevsk, where these unfavorable weather conditions are expected to persist until February 3, 2026.
Warning details and affected cities
The ministry explained in its statement that current weather conditions are preventing the dissipation of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere, leading to their dangerous accumulation over residential and industrial areas. Accordingly, strict instructions have been issued to industrial enterprises and factories operating in Kemerovo and the surrounding region to take immediate measures to reduce gas emissions and minimize activities that contribute to air pollution during this critical period.
What is the "black sky" phenomenon?
The term "black sky" is commonly used to describe what is officially known as "Numb Mist" (NMU). This phenomenon occurs when several climatic factors combine, most notably a complete lack of wind (atmospheric stillness), the formation of dense fog, and a temperature inversion that prevents warm, polluted air from rising to the upper atmosphere. These factors, combined, prevent the dispersal of smoke, factory emissions, and vehicle exhaust, creating a thick cloud of smog over cities, leading to reduced visibility and a sharp decline in air quality.
Geographical and industrial background of the Kuzbass region
These warnings are particularly relevant in the Kemerovo region (Kuzbass Basin), the heart of Russia's coal and mining industry. The region is home to a large number of coal mines, steel mills, and metallurgical plants, making it one of the areas most vulnerable to industrial pollution. The region's geography, situated in low-lying areas surrounded by hills, exacerbates the problem, as the terrain acts as a reservoir, trapping pollutants when there is no wind.
Health and environmental impacts
"Black skies" are periodically declared in Siberian industrial cities such as Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, and Kemerovo. During these periods, health authorities advise residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors, keep windows closed, reduce outdoor physical activity, and drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. These measures are part of the Russian government's efforts to monitor the environmental situation, particularly under the federal "Clean Air" project, which aims to significantly reduce emissions in major industrial cities.
