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Sumqayıt, Azerbaijan's third-largest city, occupies a strategic position on the Absheron Peninsula along the western shore of the Caspian Sea, approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Baku. This coastal location at sea level elevation places Sumqayıt within Azerbaijan's primary industrial belt, historically earning it the nickname 'Chemical City' due to its concentration of petrochemical, metallurgical, and manufacturing plants. The city's urban character is defined by Soviet-era industrial planning, with residential zones interspersed among factory complexes, creating a pronounced urban-rural gradient where industrial emissions directly impact residential air quality. The surrounding landscape is predominantly flat and semi-arid, with limited vegetation to naturally filter pollutants, while the Caspian Sea to the east moderates temperatures but can also trap emissions under specific wind patterns. Proximity to Baku intensifies regional pollution through transport corridors and shared industrial activities, with prevailing northwesterly winds occasionally carrying pollutants from Sumqayıt toward the capital. The city's position in a natural basin-like terrain, combined with industrial clustering, exacerbates air stagnation, particularly during temperature inversions, making geographic factors central to its air quality challenges.

Sumqayıt's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern influenced by its Caspian coastal climate and industrial activity. In winter, from December to February, cold temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground, leading to peak pollution episodes; reduced wind speeds and fog formation further worsen dispersion, making this the least favourable season for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like children and those with respiratory conditions. Spring, from March to May, brings gradual improvement as rising temperatures and increased wind activity help disperse emissions, though occasional dust storms from the surrounding semi-arid plains can temporarily elevate particulate levels. Summer, from June to August, sees the cleanest air due to strong sea breezes and thermal convection that effectively ventilate the city, with long daylight hours favouring outdoor exercise; however, high ozone levels may occur on hot, sunny days, advising caution for asthma sufferers. Autumn, from September to November, marks a transition as cooling temperatures and reduced wind speeds begin to accumulate pollutants again, with October and November often showing deteriorating conditions. Sensitive individuals should monitor local air quality reports year-round, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during winter inversions and summer ozone peaks.