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Araucária, nestled in the state of Paraná, Brazil, occupies a unique geographic position within the greater Curitiba Metropolitan Region. Located at coordinates -25.5928, -49.4100, the city’s terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills, part of the Paraná Plateau. This plateau landscape, formed by ancient basalt flows, influences local wind patterns and drainage. Araucária’s elevation, averaging around 900 meters above sea level, contributes to cooler temperatures compared to lower-lying areas. The city benefits from proximity to the Ribeira do Iguaçu river basin, providing a source of water but also potentially influencing humidity and localized fog formation. Surrounding Araucária is a mosaic of agricultural land, particularly soybean and corn cultivation, alongside remnants of the Atlantic Forest. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural zones directly bordering the city limits. This proximity to agricultural activities introduces potential sources of particulate matter from field preparation and harvesting. Furthermore, the city’s position downwind of Curitiba means it can receive pollutants transported from the larger metropolitan area, impacting local air quality. Industrial activity, though less concentrated than in Curitiba, also contributes to emissions. The overall geography creates conditions where pollutants can become trapped during periods of atmospheric stability.

Araucária experiences a humid subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality generally improves during the wet season (October to March) due to increased rainfall which effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, high humidity can also contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants. Pollution levels tend to peak during the dry season (April to September), when reduced rainfall allows pollutants to accumulate. August and September are typically the months with the lowest air quality, coinciding with agricultural burning practices for land preparation. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months of June and July, exacerbate pollution by trapping emissions near the ground. Winds generally flow from the south and southwest, meaning pollutants from agricultural areas and Curitiba are often carried towards Araucária. Fog, frequent during the cooler, drier months, can also trap pollutants, reducing visibility and increasing respiratory irritation. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these periods. Monitoring wind direction and avoiding outdoor exercise near agricultural areas during burning season is advisable. The transition periods (April/May and October/November) offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.