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Nestled in the arid Patagonian steppe of northern Patagonia, Neuquén occupies a strategic position at the confluence of the Neuquén and Limay rivers, which merge to form the Río Negro. Situated at approximately 260 meters above sea level in a transitional valley between the Andean foothills to the west and the vast, windswept plains to the east, the city serves as the economic and administrative hub of Argentina's Neuquén Province. Its urban character blends modern infrastructure with sprawling suburban development, reflecting its rapid growth driven by the nearby Vaca Muerta shale formation, one of the world's largest unconventional oil and gas reserves. The surrounding landscape is dominated by semi-desert terrain with sparse vegetation, creating a stark urban–rural gradient where the city's built environment contrasts sharply with the barren, dusty hinterlands. Proximity to the Neuquén River provides some hydrological influence, but the arid climate and limited green spaces exacerbate particulate matter accumulation. The city's location in a relatively flat basin, flanked by low hills, can trap pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions, while its position downwind of agricultural zones to the north and east introduces occasional biomass burning residues. Industrial activity, centered on energy extraction and processing in nearby zones like Plaza Huincul and Añelo, contributes to regional background pollution, though urban sources like vehicle emissions and construction dust dominate within the city proper.

In Neuquén, air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by the region's arid continental climate. During summer (December to February), high temperatures and intense solar radiation accelerate photochemical reactions, potentially elevating ground-level ozone, while strong westerly winds from the Andes help disperse pollutants, making this season generally favourable for outdoor activities despite occasional dust storms from the dry plains. Autumn (March to May) brings milder conditions with reduced wind speeds, allowing particulate matter from urban and industrial sources to accumulate, particularly during calm mornings; sensitive groups like asthmatics should monitor air quality reports before exercising outdoors. Winter (June to August) presents the most challenging period, as cold, stable air masses frequently cause temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, compounded by increased residential heating emissions and reduced atmospheric mixing; peak pollution typically occurs in these months, with July and August being least ideal for prolonged outdoor exposure, especially for children and the elderly. Spring (September to November) sees improving conditions as rising temperatures and revitalized winds scour the atmosphere, though pollen from sparse local vegetation can temporarily affect allergy sufferers. Throughout the year, the absence of significant precipitation—averaging only 200 mm annually—limits natural cleansing of airborne particles, making wind the primary dispersal mechanism.