Almeirim Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Almeirim, nestled in the heart of Pará state, Brazil, is a municipality profoundly shaped by its Amazonian location. Situated at -1.5228 latitude and -52.5819 longitude, the city lies on the right bank of the Xingu River, a major tributary of the Amazon. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Amazon floodplain, with elevations rarely exceeding 20 meters. This low-lying geography contributes to humidity and limited natural air dispersion. Almeirim’s urban character is defined by its riverine access; the city functions as a crucial transport hub for regional commerce, relying heavily on fluvial routes. Surrounding Almeirim is a vast expanse of dense rainforest, interspersed with *várzea* (flooded forest) and *igapó* (blackwater flooded forest). While not heavily industrialized, the region supports significant agricultural activity, primarily small-scale farming and extraction of forest products. The urban-rural gradient is blurred, with many residents engaged in both agricultural pursuits and urban commerce. The proximity to the Xingu River, while vital for transport, also means potential for waterborne pollutants to impact local air quality through evaporation and aerosol formation, particularly during the dry season when river levels recede and sediment is exposed. Deforestation in surrounding areas, though not directly within the municipality, contributes to regional haze and particulate matter.

Almeirim experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality fluctuates dramatically with these shifts. The dry season, typically from June to November, presents the poorest air quality. Lower river levels expose vast areas of sediment, leading to increased dust and particulate matter suspended in the air. Slash-and-burn agriculture, common during this period to prepare land for planting, exacerbates the problem, releasing significant smoke and carbon monoxide. Temperature inversions, frequently occurring during calm nights in the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground. December to May marks the wet season, bringing substantial rainfall and improved air quality. The rain effectively washes away particulate matter and suppresses dust. However, high humidity can promote mold growth, potentially triggering respiratory issues. Wind patterns shift during the wet season, generally bringing cleaner air from the Atlantic, though localized pollution from river traffic remains. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the peak of the dry season (August-October). The transition months (May/June and November/December) can be unpredictable, requiring increased vigilance. Monitoring local conditions is crucial, as smoke from distant fires can rapidly degrade air quality.