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Puyang, situated in northeastern Henan Province along China's North China Plain, occupies a strategic position where the Yellow River's historical floodplain meets the agricultural heartland of central China. This prefecture-level city's coordinates at 35.7627°N, 115.0292°E place it approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Beijing, within the densely populated and heavily industrialized Central Plains region. The urban area sits at a modest elevation of 50-60 meters above sea level, characterized by flat alluvial terrain deposited by the Yellow River over millennia. Puyang's location directly adjacent to the Yellow River provides both hydrological benefits for agriculture and specific air quality challenges, as river valleys often trap atmospheric pollutants. The city exists within a pronounced urban-rural gradient, with its urban core surrounded by extensive agricultural zones growing winter wheat and corn, while being positioned within the broader industrial belt stretching from Zhengzhou to Shandong Province. This geography creates a complex air pollution dynamic where local urban emissions from transportation and heating blend with regional agricultural burning, industrial plumes from nearby manufacturing centers, and natural dust from the dry riverbeds. The flat topography offers little natural ventilation, allowing pollutants to accumulate under stagnant atmospheric conditions, particularly during temperature inversions common in this basin-like landscape. Puyang's position away from coastal influences means it lacks the cleansing sea breezes that benefit eastern Chinese cities, resulting in prolonged pollution episodes that can affect its population of nearly 3.6 million residents.

Puyang's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by the East Asian monsoon, agricultural cycles, and heating demands. Winter (December-February) brings the most severe pollution as cold, stable air masses create frequent temperature inversions that trap emissions from coal-fired heating systems, while calm winds from the Siberian High prevent dispersion. January typically sees peak pollution levels when residential heating coincides with industrial activity and limited atmospheric mixing. Sensitive groups should minimize outdoor exposure during these months, particularly during morning hours when inversions are strongest. Spring (March-May) begins with lingering winter pollution that gradually improves as temperatures rise and winds increase, though March-April can see episodic spikes from agricultural burning and seasonal dust storms sweeping across the North China Plain. Summer (June-August) offers the cleanest air as the East Asian monsoon brings southeasterly winds that ventilate the basin, while convective rainfall helps wash pollutants from the atmosphere. This is the optimal season for outdoor activities, though occasional high ozone levels may occur on hot, sunny days. Autumn (September-November) begins with relatively good air quality that deteriorates through October and November as heating systems activate, atmospheric stability increases, and winds diminish. The transition from monsoon to winter patterns creates a secondary pollution peak in late autumn. Throughout the year, sensitive individuals should monitor daily conditions, as rapid weather changes can trigger sudden pollution episodes regardless of season.