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Jacinto, nestled in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, occupies a unique geographic position at coordinates -16.1439, -40.2928. This small city, home to just over 11,000 residents, is situated within the broader Brazilian Highlands, a region characterized by rolling hills and plateaus. The terrain surrounding Jacinto is predominantly undulating, transitioning into steeper slopes as one moves away from the central urban area. The city’s elevation, approximately 750 meters above sea level, influences local weather patterns and air circulation. While not directly adjacent to a major body of water, Jacinto is within the watershed of several smaller rivers and streams that feed into larger river systems. The regional economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly coffee and cattle ranching, with smaller-scale mining activities also present in the surrounding areas. This agricultural landscape, combined with potential dust from mining, contributes to particulate matter in the air. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; Jacinto itself is a relatively compact settlement, quickly giving way to extensive agricultural lands and forested areas. This proximity to both sources and sinks of pollutants significantly shapes the city’s air quality profile, making dispersion patterns complex and locally variable. The prevailing winds, influenced by the topography, play a crucial role in pollutant transport.

Jacinto experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality in Jacinto is most compromised during the dry season, typically from May to September. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust resuspension from agricultural lands and unpaved roads, elevating particulate matter concentrations. Lower humidity also inhibits the settling of pollutants. Temperature inversions, common during cooler nights within the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. Conversely, the wet season (October to April) generally brings improved air quality. Rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, and higher humidity promotes their deposition. However, the wet season can also see localized flooding, potentially releasing pollutants from agricultural runoff. November and December, marking the peak of the rainy season, are generally the most favourable months for outdoor activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions – should exercise caution during the dry months, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and monitoring their health. Periods of intense agricultural activity, such as harvesting, can also temporarily worsen air quality regardless of the season. Fog, common in the mornings, can trap pollutants, creating localized pockets of poor air quality.