Barrocas Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading weather snapshot...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Barrocas, nestled in the interior of Bahia state, Brazil, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Located at -11.5289 latitude and -39.0778 longitude, the city sits within the semi-arid Sertão region. The terrain is characterised by rolling hills and plateaus, a landscape sculpted by centuries of erosion. Elevation varies, but generally remains between 400-800 meters above sea level. This inland position, approximately 150km from the coast, means maritime influences are limited, resulting in a more continental climate. Barrocas is surrounded by *caatinga* vegetation – a thorny scrubland adapted to drought conditions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city itself is compact with a population of around 15,203, quickly giving way to extensive agricultural lands primarily dedicated to subsistence farming and livestock raising. While Barrocas isn’t a major industrial hub, regional agricultural practices, including seasonal burning for land clearing, contribute to particulate matter. Dust from unpaved roads and the dry climate are also significant factors. The lack of significant water bodies nearby limits evaporative cooling and can exacerbate dust suspension. The city’s position within a valley can also trap pollutants during periods of atmospheric stability.

Air quality in Barrocas follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s wet and dry seasons. The dry season, typically from August to December, is when air quality is at its worst. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and agricultural burning for preparing fields for planting is most prevalent during this period, releasing significant amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants. Hot, dry winds exacerbate dust suspension from unpaved roads and exposed soil. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level. January to July marks the wet season, bringing relief from the dry season’s pollution. Rainfall washes away particulate matter, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, even during the wet season, localised pollution from vehicle emissions and domestic wood burning can occur. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should be particularly cautious during the dry months, limiting strenuous outdoor activity. November and December are typically the months with the poorest air quality. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from agricultural areas will carry higher pollutant loads.