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Aguilares, nestled within the Tucumán Province of Argentina, occupies a geographically significant position within the Chaco-Pampean Plain. Located at approximately -27.4333° latitude and -65.6167° longitude, the city sits at an elevation of roughly 350 meters (1148 feet) above sea level, contributing to a relatively mild climate. The surrounding landscape is characterized by a transition zone between the drier Chaco ecosystem to the west and the more humid Pampas region to the east. This creates a mosaic of agricultural lands, including sugarcane plantations – a dominant feature of the Tucumán province’s economy – interspersed with grasslands and scrub vegetation. The city’s proximity to the Paraná River basin, though not directly on a major river, influences regional humidity and weather patterns. Aguilares exhibits a moderate urban–rural gradient; while it functions as a local commercial and administrative hub, it’s surrounded by extensive agricultural areas, meaning agricultural practices and associated emissions play a role in the local environment. The terrain is generally flat, which can exacerbate air pollution episodes, particularly during periods of temperature inversion. The city’s location within a fertile agricultural belt means that dust from tilling and harvesting, as well as emissions from agricultural machinery and fertilizer use, can contribute to particulate matter in the air. Furthermore, the presence of smaller industrial activities within and around Aguilares, supporting the agricultural sector, adds to the potential for localized air quality concerns. The prevailing winds, often influenced by regional weather systems, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants.

Aguilares experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly impacting air quality throughout the year. The dry season, typically spanning from April to October, often sees a build-up of particulate matter. Reduced rainfall and increased temperatures lead to drier soils, intensifying dust emissions from agricultural activities like sugarcane harvesting and land preparation. Temperature inversions, common during these months, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality. The months of July and August are often periods to exercise caution, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. The wet season, from November to March, brings increased rainfall, which naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by washing away particulate matter. However, heavy rainfall events can also lead to increased humidity and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from decaying vegetation. Fog, a frequent occurrence during the wet season, can also trap pollutants, creating localized air quality issues. During the transition months (March/April and September/October), wind patterns are often variable, leading to unpredictable air quality fluctuations. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should monitor local conditions and limit outdoor exertion during periods of elevated dust or fog. Agricultural workers should utilize appropriate respiratory protection during peak harvesting and tilling periods. Maintaining green spaces within the city and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for mitigating seasonal air quality variations.