Armenia’s Hydromete- orology and Monitoring Center has denied social reports about alleged “toxic acid rains.” According to the Center, atmospheric precipitation quality monitoring is conducted at the Amberd observa- tion station. Analysis of precipitation that fell on March 7–8 showed no changes in acid- ity levels or in the anionic and cationic composition of the rainfall. The Center also noted that from March 9 to 11, Armenia will be un- der the influence of northeastern air currents, while from March 12 to 20 southwestern flows originating in the Mediterranean basin are expected to prevail across the country. Analysis of atmospheric processes indicates that no air mass inflow from Iran into Armenia is forecast in the coming days. Specialists added that southern cyclones reaching Armenia usually originate from areas around Iraq rather than Iran, and such occur- rences in the region are very rare. In addition, over the next ten days air flows over Iran are expected to move from west to east, meaning that air masses will shift from Iran toward Turkmenistan. The Hydrometeorology and Moni- toring Center said it continues constant monitoring of atmospheric conditions and will inform the public immediate- ly if any changes occur. Residents are urged to rely only on official informa- tion provided by the Center.
