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Aimorés, nestled in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, occupies a geographically significant position within the Mantiqueira Mountains range. Its coordinates, -19.4958, -41.0639, place it at an elevation of approximately 850 meters (2,789 feet) above sea level, contributing to a cooler, more temperate climate compared to lower-lying regions of Minas Gerais. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, steep slopes, and dense Atlantic Forest remnants, a biome historically vital for regional biodiversity and water regulation. Aimorés sits within a transitional zone, exhibiting a gradual urban-rural gradient. To the west, agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to coffee and cattle ranching, dominate, while eastward, the urban fabric of Aimorés itself expands. The city’s proximity to the Rio Grande, a tributary of the Rio Doce, influences local humidity and microclimates. While not a major industrial hub, Aimorés serves as a regional service center, with some light manufacturing and processing activities, primarily related to agriculture. The mountainous terrain significantly impacts air circulation; valleys can trap pollutants, while higher elevations experience greater dispersion. The Atlantic Forest, though diminished, still plays a role in filtering air, but deforestation and agricultural practices in the surrounding areas can introduce particulate matter and agricultural chemicals into the atmosphere, impacting local air quality. The city’s location within a historically mining-rich region also means legacy contamination from past mining activities could potentially influence soil and water quality, indirectly affecting air quality through dust resuspension.

Aimorés experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, often brings the most concerning air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric moisture, increasing the propensity for dust and particulate matter to linger. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler, drier months, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the issue. Agricultural burning, a practice sometimes employed to clear land for planting, is most prevalent during this period, releasing significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter. The wet season, from October to March, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the atmosphere and dispersing pollutants. Stronger winds associated with convective storms also aid in pollutant removal. Fog, while infrequent, can occur during the cooler months, trapping pollutants in localized areas. During the wet season, outdoor activities are generally more favorable, although heavy rainfall can still impact visibility and air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly on days with agricultural burning or stagnant air. While the wet season offers respite, periods of intense rainfall can lead to increased mold and fungal spores, potentially affecting indoor air quality. The interplay of these meteorological factors dictates the cyclical nature of air quality in Aimorés, with the dry season posing the greatest risk and the wet season providing a natural cleansing effect.