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Pedras de Fogo, nestled in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, occupies a unique geographic position within the semi-arid Agreste region. Located at coordinates -7.4019, -35.1158, the city sits at an elevation of approximately 215 meters (705 feet) above sea level. This inland location, far removed from direct coastal influences, shapes its climate and, consequently, its air quality. The surrounding landscape is characterised by ‘pedras’ – large rock formations – interspersed with caatinga vegetation, a uniquely adapted dry forest ecosystem. The urban area is relatively compact, with a noticeable urban-rural gradient as it transitions into agricultural lands dedicated primarily to subsistence farming and, increasingly, sugarcane cultivation. While Pedras de Fogo isn’t a major industrial hub, regional economic activity centres around agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, contributing to localised emissions. The lack of significant natural windbreaks, coupled with the terrain’s undulating nature, can lead to stagnant air conditions. Dust from agricultural practices and unpaved roads is a persistent factor. The city’s position within a valley can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants during periods of atmospheric stability. The absence of large bodies of water nearby limits evaporative cooling and contributes to the region’s aridity, influencing particulate matter suspension.

Pedras de Fogo experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, spanning roughly August to February, is characterised by minimal rainfall and increased dust suspension from agricultural activities and unpaved roads. This period sees a peak in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations, exacerbated by lower humidity and increased wind speeds that mobilise dust. January and February are typically the months with the poorest air quality. The wet season, from March to July, brings relief with increased rainfall that suppresses dust and washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, even during the wet season, localised emissions from small-scale industries and vehicle traffic contribute to air pollution. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly on windy days. The transition months of March and November offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial, as winds from agricultural areas can carry pesticide drift and dust into the city.