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Perdigão, nestled in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, occupies a geographically significant position within the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. Located at approximately -19.9528° latitude and -45.0839° longitude, the city’s elevation, averaging around 850 meters (2,789 feet) above sea level, contributes to a cooler climate compared to lower-lying regions of Brazil. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, pastures, and remnants of the Cerrado savanna biome, gradually transitioning into more forested areas as altitude increases. Perdigão’s proximity to the Rio Grande, a tributary of the São Francisco River, provides a crucial water source, though its direct influence on local air quality is limited. The city’s urban character is distinctly rural, with a relatively small population of 12,268, reflecting its primarily agricultural economy. The dominant land use is cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, creating a significant urban–rural gradient. While Perdigão itself lacks major heavy industries, it sits within a broader agricultural belt that extends across Minas Gerais, and is within reasonable driving distance of larger industrial centers in the state capital, Belo Horizonte. This regional connection means that pollutants generated elsewhere can, under certain meteorological conditions, be transported to Perdigão. The terrain, with its hills and valleys, can also influence local wind patterns, potentially trapping pollutants in certain areas and exacerbating air quality issues during periods of low wind speed. The Cerrado's natural vegetation, while generally beneficial for air quality, can also contribute to particulate matter during the dry season through controlled burns.

Perdigão’s tropical savanna climate (Aw) dictates a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, is characterized by lower rainfall and higher temperatures, creating conditions conducive to increased particulate matter concentrations. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and pasture management, is most prevalent during this period, releasing significant amounts of smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere. The lack of rainfall allows these particles to persist for longer durations. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are also more frequent during the dry season, further hindering vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants near ground level. Conversely, the wet season (October to March) brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the air and reducing particulate matter. Stronger winds associated with convective storms also help disperse pollutants. Fog, while less common, can occasionally form during cooler nights, trapping moisture and pollutants close to the surface. During the transition months (March/April and September/October), air quality can be variable, influenced by the interplay of both wet and dry season conditions. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Limiting outdoor activity during smoky days and wearing masks can help mitigate exposure. The increased humidity during the wet season generally provides a respite, but vigilance is still advised during periods of heavy traffic or localized industrial activity.