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Jhenaidah, situated in southwestern Bangladesh's Khulna Division, occupies a strategic position within the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta's fertile plains at approximately 10 meters above sea level. This low-lying urban center lies roughly 150 kilometers west of Dhaka and 80 kilometers northeast of the Indian border, placing it within Bangladesh's intensively cultivated agricultural heartland. The city's geography is characterized by flat alluvial terrain intersected by numerous distributaries of the Padma River, including the Kumar and Chitra rivers that flow nearby, creating a landscape dominated by rice paddies, jute fields, and fish ponds. Jhenaidah's urban character blends traditional bazaar commerce with emerging small-scale industries, forming a transitional zone between the dense urbanization of central Bangladesh and the more rural southwestern districts. This location profoundly influences air quality through multiple pathways: agricultural burning of crop residues during harvesting seasons releases particulate matter across the surrounding countryside; the city's position within the Indo-Gangetic Plain makes it susceptible to regional pollution transport from both Bangladeshi and Indian sources; limited elevation prevents natural dispersion of pollutants; and proximity to water bodies creates humidity that can trap airborne particles. The urban-rural gradient sees pollution concentrations highest in the city center where vehicle emissions, brick kilns, and domestic fuel combustion concentrate, gradually decreasing toward the agricultural periphery where biomass burning becomes the dominant source.

Jhenaidah's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by the South Asian monsoon cycle. During winter (December-February), cool temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface, creating persistent haze that peaks in January when agricultural burning coincides with minimal rainfall. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor exertion during morning hours when inversions are strongest. Spring (March-May) brings rising temperatures and pre-monsoon dust storms that lift soil particles into the air, though increasing ventilation gradually improves conditions by May. The summer monsoon (June-September) dramatically cleanses the atmosphere through heavy rainfall, with July and August offering the year's best air quality for outdoor activities despite high humidity. Autumn (October-November) sees deteriorating conditions as the monsoon retreats, agricultural fires resume post-harvest, and wind patterns shift to bring pollution from northern regions. The post-monsoon period through early winter represents the most challenging season for respiratory health, particularly for children, elderly residents, and those with pre-existing conditions who should use masks during peak pollution hours. Throughout the year, early mornings typically show higher pollution concentrations due to overnight accumulation and morning fog, while afternoon breezes provide some relief.