STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NUMBER OF DAYS WITH DUST STORMS IN THE CITY OF NUKUS FROM 1978 TO 2023

This study presents a comprehensive statistical analysis of the frequency, duration, and characteristics of dust storms in the city of Nukus from 1978 to 2023. Drawing on archival data from the Nukus Aviation Meteorological Station and supported by the Karakalpak Scientific Research Institute of Natural Sciences, the research identifies key temporal patterns, wind regimes, and seasonal variations associated with dust storm activity over the 45-year period. Results indicate a significant decline in the number of dust storm days since the 1980s, with spring months showing the highest frequency of occurrences. The analysis also highlights shifts in dominant wind directions and speeds, as well as variations in storm duration, with most storms in recent decades lasting less than an hour. A notable long-duration event occurred in May 2018, lasting up to 17 hours. These findings underscore the evolving nature of meteorological hazards in the Nukus region, their implications for public health and the environment, and the importance of continued monitoring and regional climate analysis.