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Lu'an, situated in western Anhui Province at coordinates 31.7360°N, 116.5200°E, occupies a strategic position in China's East Asia region where the Yangtze River Delta meets the Central Plains. The city's geography is defined by its location in the transitional zone between the Dabie Mountains to the west and the Jianghuai Plain to the east, creating a distinctive urban-rural gradient that significantly influences air quality patterns. Lu'an's elevation averages around 50-100 meters above sea level, with higher terrain to the northwest gradually sloping toward the Huai River basin to the southeast. This topography creates natural channels for air movement while also potentially trapping pollutants in valley areas. The city lies approximately 100 kilometers northwest of the Yangtze River and is intersected by the Pi River, a tributary of the Huai River, providing some atmospheric moisture but limited pollution-dispersing effects. Lu'an forms part of Anhui's emerging industrial corridor, with manufacturing and processing industries concentrated in urban districts, while surrounding areas feature extensive agricultural zones producing rice, wheat, and tea. The city's position within China's north-south climate transition zone means it experiences influences from both northern continental and southern maritime air masses, creating complex atmospheric conditions that affect pollution dispersion. Urban expansion has created heat island effects that can exacerbate local pollution, particularly when combined with the region's frequent temperature inversions during cooler months.

Lu'an's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by its transitional climate between northern and southern China. During winter (December-February), cold, stable atmospheric conditions frequently create temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, particularly when combined with low wind speeds and occasional fog. This season typically sees the highest pollution concentrations, making outdoor activities less favorable, especially for sensitive groups like children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions who should limit prolonged exposure. Spring (March-May) brings gradual improvement as increasing temperatures and more frequent frontal systems enhance atmospheric mixing, though occasional dust events from northern regions can temporarily degrade air quality. The summer monsoon (June-August) provides the cleanest air of the year, with southeasterly winds from the Pacific Ocean bringing moisture and effective pollution dispersion, though high temperatures and humidity can combine with ozone formation on sunny days. Autumn (September-November) begins with relatively good conditions that gradually deteriorate as temperatures drop and atmospheric stability increases, with October often representing a transitional period before winter's pollution buildup. Sensitive populations should monitor local air quality forecasts year-round, with particular caution during winter mornings when inversion layers are strongest and pollution concentrations typically peak. The city's location in a basin-like terrain means that even during generally favorable seasons, local meteorological conditions can create temporary pollution episodes that warrant adjusted outdoor activity timing.