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Bom Jesus do Galho, nestled in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, occupies a geographically significant position within the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range. Located at approximately -19.8289° latitude and -42.3158° longitude, the city’s elevation, averaging around 800 meters (2625 feet) above sea level, contributes to a cooler climate compared to lower-lying regions of Minas Gerais. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the characteristic ‘cerrado’ biome, a vast tropical savanna characterized by grasslands interspersed with gallery forests along seasonal streams. This proximity to the cerrado influences local air quality, with potential for biomass burning during drier periods. The city’s urban character is distinctly rural, with a relatively small population of 14,536, suggesting a predominantly agricultural economy. While not directly adjacent to major rivers, the region experiences seasonal rainfall, impacting humidity levels and influencing atmospheric stability. Bom Jesus do Galho sits on the edge of an urban–rural gradient, transitioning from small-scale farming and livestock raising to more extensive agricultural operations further afield. The Serra do Espinhaço acts as a barrier, potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions, while also providing some natural air purification through vegetation. The absence of large-scale industrial zones within the immediate vicinity mitigates some pollution risks, though agricultural practices and occasional controlled burns remain factors affecting local air quality. The terrain is undulating, with slopes and valleys that can influence wind patterns and pollutant dispersion.

Bom Jesus do Galho 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, presents the greatest air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall leads to lower humidity, creating drier vegetation and increasing the risk of wildfires, both accidental and intentionally set for land clearing or agricultural purposes. These fires release significant particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, impacting local air quality and potentially extending regional haze. Temperature inversions are more frequent during this period, trapping pollutants near the ground, particularly in the mornings and evenings. The wet season, from October to March, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, which naturally washes pollutants from the atmosphere and promotes vegetation growth, leading to improved air quality. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased soil erosion and dust events, temporarily degrading air quality. Fog, while not a frequent occurrence, can occasionally form in the cooler months, further exacerbating pollutant trapping. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activity during peak fire risk periods and times of stagnant air. During the wet season, while generally better, periods of intense rainfall and subsequent dust storms warrant similar precautions. The interplay of these meteorological factors dictates the fluctuating air quality throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and responsible land management practices.