Simões Filho Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Simões Filho, Bahia, Brazil, occupies a strategically important position within the metropolitan area of Salvador, acting as a significant industrial and logistical hub. Located approximately 20 kilometers north of Salvador, its coordinates (-12.7839, -38.4039) place it within a coastal plain characterized by relatively flat terrain, averaging around 10 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of urban development, sugarcane plantations, and patches of Atlantic Forest remnants, creating a complex urban–rural gradient. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean influences local weather patterns and can impact air quality through sea breezes and the potential for salt spray. Simões Filho’s location within the Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay) is crucial; the bay’s topography can trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind. A significant portion of the city’s economy revolves around industrial activities, including automotive manufacturing, food processing, and logistics related to the nearby Port of Aratu-Candeias. This industrial belt contributes to localized air pollution sources. Agricultural zones, primarily dedicated to sugarcane cultivation, also contribute to air quality concerns through burning practices, although regulations aim to mitigate this. The city’s rapid urban expansion, typical of many Brazilian cities, has led to increased vehicle traffic and associated emissions, further compounding air quality challenges. The relatively low elevation and flat topography limit atmospheric dispersion, potentially exacerbating the impact of these pollution sources.

Simões Filho experiences a tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically from September to April, often sees a build-up of pollutants due to reduced rainfall and decreased atmospheric mixing. During this period, stagnant air masses are more common, particularly during the months of November to February, leading to potential air quality degradation. Agricultural burning, a common practice in sugarcane fields, intensifies during the dry season, releasing particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere. The wet season, from May to August, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, which naturally helps to cleanse the air by washing away particulate matter and diluting gaseous pollutants. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to flooding, which can release pollutants from contaminated sites. Fog, though infrequent, can occur during cooler nights in the dry season, trapping pollutants near the ground. Wind patterns play a crucial role; prevailing easterly winds from the Atlantic Ocean can provide some ventilation, but their strength varies considerably. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Limiting outdoor exertion and avoiding areas near industrial zones or sugarcane fields is advisable. The increased humidity during the wet season can exacerbate respiratory issues for some, so maintaining indoor air quality is also important.