Tandag Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Tandag City, nestled on the eastern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines’ Surigao del Sur province, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Situated at 9.0789°N, 126.1986°E, the city’s terrain is a blend of coastal plains and gently rising hills, ultimately leading to the Diwata Mountains inland. This proximity to both the Philippine Sea and mountainous regions significantly impacts local weather patterns and pollutant dispersion. Tandag’s urban character is that of a developing regional hub, with a population of approximately 62,669. While not heavily industrialized, the city serves as a trade and service center for the surrounding agricultural areas – primarily coconut, rice, and banana plantations. These agricultural practices contribute to particulate matter through land preparation and potential burning. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from the city center to coconut groves and forested hills. The coastal location means sea breezes play a crucial role in air circulation, but can also trap pollutants during temperature inversions. The city’s position makes it susceptible to weather systems originating from the Pacific Ocean, influencing rainfall and wind direction, and thus, pollutant transport and removal. The surrounding landscape, while largely green, is vulnerable to deforestation, impacting air purification processes.

Tandag experiences a pronounced wet and dry season, dictating the city’s air quality patterns. The dry season, typically from March to May, sees a peak in particulate matter due to increased dust from unpaved roads and agricultural activities like land clearing and potential slash-and-burn farming. Lower rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and stable atmospheric conditions can lead to pollutant build-up. Conversely, the wet season, spanning June to February, generally brings improved air quality. Heavy rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the air, and increased humidity can suppress dust. However, the wet season also brings the risk of flooding, which can mobilize pollutants from contaminated areas. The northeast monsoon, prevalent from November to February, brings cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, generally favouring cleaner air. August and September, often experiencing intense rainfall, are typically the best months for outdoor activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and considering the use of masks. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as pollutants can be transported from agricultural burning areas during calm periods.