Mongolia: Periods of air pollution likely to continue in Ulaanbaatar through March

Periods of heavy air pollution are likely in parts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, during the late autumn and winter months. Air pollution-induced low visibility can lead to ground transport and flight disruptions throughout the affected area. Visibility problems are typically worse in late December-February, but periodic disruptions can occur November-March.

Ulaanbaatar's rapid growth and expansion have led to poverty and air pollution during the colder months. Ulaanbaatar's location in the narrow valley of the Bogd Mountain on the Tuul River also creates a thermal inversion layer, trapping pollution over the city. Most of the poor live in yurts or gers, traditional dwellings unconnected to the central heating system, mostly in the north of the city. During the colder months, most burn coal for heat, increasing air pollution. Ulaanbaatar's Soviet-era coal-burning power plants and vehicle emissions also contribute to winter air pollution.

The highest concentrations of air pollution usually occur during periods of extended air stagnation, when pollution from industry, residential heating, and automobiles cannot escape the region. Severe pollution levels tend to spike during winter cold spells when many people burn low-quality coal to heat their homes and businesses. Authorities have tried to reduce air pollution by curbing vehicle use, improving home insulation, and expanding the use of natural gas to reduce reliance on coal.

Reduced visibility during periods of severe air pollution may cause transport disruptions. Flight delays could occur at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), especially during overnight and early morning hours when relative humidity is high. Traffic disruptions resulting from inadequate visibility are also possible on highways and secondary roads in the region during periods of severe pollution.

Officials may implement temporary commercial restrictions. Provincial and municipal officials usually take measures to reduce heavy industry and sometimes restrict vehicle operations in response to severe air pollution. Under a red alert, Beijing authorities could restrict private vehicle use within the municipality; officials only permit vehicles with even-numbered plates to drive on even calendar days and odd-numbered plates on odd days. Severe air pollution also often causes the suspension of large-scale outdoor construction projects. Under previous orange- and red-level alerts, officials throughout the region ordered thousands of heavy industry and manufacturing facilities to cease operations. Similar policies are possible in areas throughout the region during periods of severe pollution. Such measures do not typically lead to severe supply chain disruptions, but there could be delays to some time-sensitive orders and deliveries.