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Suihua, situated in central Heilongjiang province in Northeast China, occupies a strategic position within the Songnen Plain, a vast alluvial basin formed by the Songhua and Nen rivers. The city's coordinates at 46.6540°N, 126.9690°E place it approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Harbin, the provincial capital, positioning it within the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration—a key industrial and agricultural corridor. Suihua's terrain is predominantly flat, with elevations averaging around 150 meters above sea level, contributing to stable atmospheric conditions that can trap pollutants. The city lies near the Songhua River basin, though not directly on major waterways, which limits natural ventilation from water bodies. Surrounded by extensive agricultural zones, particularly soybean and corn fields, Suihua experiences seasonal pollution from agricultural burning and dust. The urban-rural gradient is marked by a compact urban core transitioning to sprawling farmlands, with industrial activities concentrated in the city's periphery, including food processing and light manufacturing. This geography, combined with its continental climate, creates a setting where temperature inversions are common, especially in winter, leading to the accumulation of pollutants from both urban emissions and regional agricultural practices, significantly impacting air quality.

In Suihua, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by its harsh continental climate. Winter, from December to February, brings the worst pollution due to coal burning for heating, combined with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, creating persistent smog episodes; sensitive groups like children and the elderly should limit outdoor activities during these months. Spring, from March to May, sees gradual improvement as temperatures rise and winds increase, dispersing pollutants, though dust storms from the arid plains can cause temporary spikes in particulate matter. Summer, from June to August, offers the cleanest air, with monsoon rains from the East Asian monsoon washing away pollutants and higher temperatures promoting vertical mixing, making it the ideal season for outdoor recreation. Autumn, from September to November, experiences a decline in air quality as heating resumes and agricultural burning after harvest releases smoke, leading to hazy conditions; residents are advised to monitor air quality forecasts during this transition. Throughout the year, fog is common in cooler months, exacerbating visibility issues and health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.