Smog suffocates Moscow - 3 September, 2002

Moscow covered with smog. There is almost no wind in the city. The carbon oxide constituent in the air is already double the limit. The whole Moscow region is shrouded with smog. This situation is likely remain for two more weeks. The Weather Agency of Russia predicted hot and dry weather in Moscow. Furthermore, meteorologists expect  the arrival of an anticyclone, which will increase the temperature together with the level of harmful substances in the atmosphere.

The reason for the smog is very simple. Fires are flaming on the outskirts of Moscow. Peatbogs are burning. A special thank you should be said to Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov. Rain was expected during the past weekend.  However, Yury Luzhkov arranged a grand holiday for all Muscovites during the weekend: City Day. He ordered clear blue sky  as not to spoil the holiday with rain. As is well known, he is fond of driving the clouds away. However, the weather is dictating its own conditions.

NTVRu reported the following: “The smog is becoming thicker in Moscow. The Kremlin towers are cloaked in smog; one can hardly see the tops of high-rise buildings. Drivers have to be really cautious, and sometimes they have to drive with their lights on during the daytime. It was hard to breath on the outskirts of the city last evening, as acrid smoke stung one's eyes.”

Pyotr Bely
PRAVDA.Ru