Roxas Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Roxas, Isabela, nestled in the heart of the Cagayan Valley, Philippines, occupies a geographically significant position within a predominantly agricultural landscape. Located at coordinates 17.1200, 121.6200, the city sits on relatively flat terrain, part of the vast Luzon Plain, with an elevation generally below 50 meters. This low-lying position contributes to potential issues with air stagnation. The city is approximately 40 kilometers inland from the Pacific Ocean, meaning direct marine influences are moderated, but seasonal monsoon winds still play a crucial role. Roxas is surrounded by extensive rice paddies and cornfields, typical of the region’s agricultural economy. While not heavily industrialized itself, Roxas serves as a trading hub for surrounding agricultural areas, leading to increased truck traffic. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city centre is densely populated, while the periphery quickly transitions into farmland. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces potential sources of particulate matter from field preparation, harvesting, and the burning of agricultural waste. The Magat River, a major waterway, flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to localized fog formation, which can trap pollutants. The flat topography limits natural dispersion of pollutants, making Roxas susceptible to air quality challenges.

Roxas, Isabela, experiences a pronounced wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically from March to May, sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. This is due to increased dust from agricultural activities – land preparation for planting – and a higher incidence of open burning for land clearing. Lower humidity during these months also means less atmospheric scavenging of pollutants. The onset of the southwest monsoon (habagat) in June brings the wet season, offering a significant improvement in air quality. Rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, and higher humidity suppresses dust. However, increased traffic congestion during the wet season, as roads become more challenging to navigate, can locally elevate emissions. November to February represents a transitional period, with generally moderate air quality. Temperature inversions, common during cooler mornings, can trap pollutants near ground level. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly in April and May. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from agricultural areas may carry higher concentrations of particulate matter. The wet season, especially July and August, generally offers the best conditions for outdoor exercise.