Bafoulabé Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Bafoulabé, nestled in the Kayes Region of Mali, occupies a geographically significant position within the Sahelian zone, bordering Mauritania. Located at approximately 13.8064° N, 10.8322° W, the city sits on a gently undulating plain, part of the larger Niger River basin. The surrounding landscape is predominantly characterized by the Sahel’s signature savanna ecosystem – a mosaic of grasslands, scattered acacia trees, and gallery forests lining the Niger River and its tributaries. The river itself is a crucial element, influencing local climate and providing a vital water source for both the city and the surrounding agricultural lands. Bafoulabé’s elevation is relatively low, averaging around 220 meters above sea level, contributing to a stable atmospheric layer that can, under certain conditions, trap pollutants. The urban footprint is small, reflecting Bafoulabé’s status as a regional market town rather than a major industrial hub. However, the immediate periphery is intensely agricultural, with extensive fields dedicated to crops like millet, sorghum, and maize, and livestock grazing. This creates an urban–rural gradient where agricultural activities, particularly burning practices during land clearing and crop residue disposal, can significantly impact local air quality. The proximity to Mauritania also means transboundary dust events, common in the Sahel, can readily affect Bafoulabé’s air. The relatively flat terrain limits natural ventilation, potentially exacerbating localized pollution episodes. The city’s limited industrial presence means that emissions are primarily from transportation, residential cooking (often using wood or charcoal), and agricultural processes.

Bafoulabé experiences a distinct wet and dry season pattern typical of the Sahel, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, roughly from November to May, is characterized by intense solar radiation, low humidity, and frequent dust storms originating from the Sahara and the Bodélé Depression in Chad. These transboundary dust events, often carrying fine particulate matter, significantly degrade air quality, reducing visibility and posing respiratory health risks. Wind patterns during this period are variable, sometimes bringing in cleaner air from the north, but more often contributing to the dispersal of locally generated pollutants. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, can also occur, further concentrating pollutants. The onset of the monsoon rains (June to October) brings a marked improvement in air quality. Rainfall effectively ‘washes’ pollutants from the atmosphere, and increased humidity reduces dust suspension. However, agricultural burning, a common practice at the start of the planting season, can lead to short-term spikes in smoke and particulate matter. The rainy season also sees increased humidity, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions for some individuals. Months like March and April, coinciding with the peak of the Harmattan winds (dry, dusty winds), are generally the most challenging for air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses, should limit outdoor activity during these periods and consider using face masks. The transition months (May and October) can be unpredictable, with fluctuating wind patterns and occasional dust events.