Jacaraú Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Jacaraú, nestled in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, presents a unique geographic setting influencing its air quality. Located at -6.6122 latitude and -35.2928 longitude, the city sits within the semi-arid climate zone of the Brazilian Northeast. The terrain is generally flat to gently undulating, characteristic of the Paraíba coastal plain, with an elevation hovering around a modest 28 meters above sea level. This low elevation, combined with proximity to the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 15km east), creates a humid, tropical environment. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of ‘caatinga’ scrubland, interspersed with small agricultural holdings focused on subsistence farming – primarily sugarcane, cassava, and beans. While Jacaraú isn’t directly within a major industrial belt, regional economic activity centers around agriculture and fishing, contributing to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city itself is compact, quickly transitioning to rural landscapes. This proximity to agricultural practices, including occasional controlled burns for land clearing, and the coastal breezes, which can trap pollutants under certain atmospheric conditions, are key factors impacting local air quality. The lack of significant topographical features limits natural dispersion of pollutants, making the city susceptible to localised air quality issues.

Jacaraú experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from August to December, is characterised by lower humidity and increased dust particles lifted by winds sweeping across the ‘caatinga’. This leads to elevated particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations, impacting respiratory health. February to July marks the wet season, bringing relief from dust but also increasing the potential for mould growth and humidity-related respiratory issues. Rainfall helps to wash away pollutants, generally improving air quality during this period. Temperature inversions, common during the calmer nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level, exacerbating air quality concerns. The months of September and October are often the most challenging for those with respiratory sensitivities due to the combination of dry conditions and potential for agricultural burning. Conversely, May and June, with consistent rainfall, generally offer the best air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and monitor their health closely. Increased vigilance is advised during periods of agricultural activity.