Cururupu Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading weather snapshot...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Cururupu, a municipality nestled in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, occupies a significant position within the Amazon rainforest’s transition zone. Located at -1.8278 latitude and -44.8678 longitude, the city is situated on the eastern bank of the Cururupu River, a major tributary of the Pindaré River, which ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the Amazonian lowlands, with elevations rarely exceeding 50 meters. This low-lying geography contributes to limited natural air dispersion. Surrounding Cururupu is a mosaic of dense rainforest, interspersed with areas of agricultural land, primarily dedicated to subsistence farming and increasingly, large-scale agriculture like palm oil plantations. The urban area itself is relatively compact, exhibiting a typical Brazilian small-city structure with a central core and expanding residential areas. The proximity to the river introduces humidity and influences local wind patterns. While not a major industrial hub, regional economic activity centers around agriculture and river transport, contributing to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with rapid transitions from built-up areas to dense vegetation. This proximity to both natural and agricultural sources significantly impacts the city’s air quality profile, making it vulnerable to both biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and particulate matter from land use changes.

Cururupu experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality in Cururupu is most compromised during the dry season, typically from June to November. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust and particulate matter suspension from agricultural activities and unpaved roads. Biomass burning, often associated with land clearing for agriculture and pasture, is also significantly higher during this period, releasing substantial amounts of smoke and pollutants. Temperature inversions, common during the calmer nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. The wet season, from December to May, generally brings improved air quality. Rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, even during the wet season, localised pollution can occur from river transport and ongoing agricultural practices. Sensitive individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious during the dry season, limiting outdoor exertion and considering the use of respiratory protection. Months of December to February generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities. Fog, common during the transition periods, can also trap pollutants, though its impact is usually less severe than the dry season’s conditions.