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Hebi occupies a strategic position in northern Henan Province, situated approximately 120 kilometers north of Zhengzhou along the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains. This mid-sized industrial city lies within the vast North China Plain, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with an average elevation of 70-100 meters above sea level. The city straddles the Qi River, a tributary of the Yellow River, which flows through its urban core but offers limited air cleansing effects due to seasonal variations in flow. Hebi's location places it firmly within China's Central Plains economic zone, surrounded by intensive agricultural lands that contribute to regional particulate matter through biomass burning and soil dust. The urban-rural gradient shows dense urban development concentrated along transportation corridors, with industrial zones—particularly those related to coal processing, chemicals, and manufacturing—clustered on the city's periphery. This positioning creates a pollution funnel effect, as emissions from both local industries and transboundary sources from neighboring industrial cities like Anyang and Xinxiang accumulate in the basin-like topography. The Taihang Mountains to the west partially block westerly winds, while the open plains to the east allow pollutants to travel freely across regional boundaries. This geographic configuration, combined with high population density and energy-intensive industries, creates persistent challenges for air quality management through both local emissions and regional transport of pollutants.

Hebi's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by the East Asian monsoon system and local meteorological conditions. Winter (December-February) brings the most severe pollution episodes, with frequent temperature inversions trapping pollutants near the surface, compounded by increased coal burning for heating and stagnant atmospheric conditions. January typically sees the highest pollution concentrations, making it the least favorable period for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions who should limit exposure. Spring (March-May) begins with some improvement as temperatures rise and winds increase, though March and April can experience dust storms from the Gobi Desert and local agricultural activities, carrying particulate matter across the region. Summer (June-August) offers the cleanest air, with southeasterly monsoon winds from the Pacific Ocean providing ventilation, increased precipitation washing pollutants from the atmosphere, and reduced heating emissions. July and August are optimal for outdoor activities despite high humidity. Autumn (September-November) sees a gradual deterioration as monsoon winds retreat, atmospheric stability increases, and agricultural burning peaks during the October harvest season. Throughout the year, calm wind conditions and radiation fog—particularly common in winter mornings—can exacerbate pollution buildup, requiring residents to monitor daily forecasts and plan activities accordingly.