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Brest, situated in southwestern Belarus near the Polish border at the confluence of the Mukhavets and Western Bug rivers, occupies a strategic position in the Brestskaya Voblasts' region. The city lies within the vast East European Plain at an elevation of approximately 140 meters above sea level, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with extensive wetlands and mixed forests in surrounding areas. This lowland geography, combined with proximity to the Pripyat Marshes to the northeast, creates natural drainage basins that can trap airborne pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions. Brest's urban character blends historical architecture with Soviet-era industrial zones, primarily concentrated in the city's eastern sectors, while agricultural lands dominate the rural periphery, contributing seasonal particulate matter from tilling and harvesting. The city's location along major transport corridors—including rail lines connecting Western Europe with Russia—generates significant vehicular emissions, particularly diesel exhaust from freight traffic. Brest's position near the Western Bug River provides some natural ventilation, but the generally flat landscape limits wind-driven dispersion of pollutants, allowing urban emissions from heating, industry, and transportation to accumulate, especially during temperature inversions common in this continental climate zone. The urban-rural gradient shows decreasing pollution levels moving away from the city center, though agricultural burning in autumn can affect regional air quality.

Brest experiences distinct seasonal air quality patterns driven by its humid continental climate. In winter (December-February), cold temperatures increase residential heating demand, primarily from coal and natural gas, leading to elevated particulate matter levels; temperature inversions frequently trap pollutants near the surface, creating persistent haze. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during calm, frosty periods. Spring (March-May) brings gradual improvement as heating diminishes and increased precipitation helps cleanse the air, though March can still see poor conditions from lingering inversions and road dust from thawing. Summer (June-August) offers the cleanest air with active atmospheric mixing, warm temperatures reducing heating emissions, and vegetation filtering pollutants; however, occasional heatwaves can elevate ground-level ozone, particularly in July. Autumn (September-November) sees deteriorating conditions as temperatures drop, heating resumes, and agricultural burning in surrounding regions contributes smoke; October and November often experience the year's worst pollution episodes due to combined sources and stable atmospheric layers. Wind patterns, predominantly from the west, generally provide ventilation but can transport industrial emissions from nearby Polish regions. Fog, common in late autumn and winter, exacerbates pollution visibility and health impacts. Outdoor activities are most favorable from late spring through early autumn, with sensitive individuals advised to monitor local air quality reports during transitional seasons.