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Jiujiang occupies a strategically significant position in northern Jiangxi province, nestled along the southern bank of the Yangtze River where it meets the outflow from Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake. This riverine-lacustrine confluence creates a distinctive urban geography where water transport historically shaped development, with the city serving as a vital port connecting central China's interior to coastal regions. The terrain transitions from the flat alluvial plains of the Yangtze floodplain to the rolling foothills of the Lu Mountains (Lushan) to the south, creating an elevation gradient from approximately 20 meters near the river to over 1,400 meters in nearby peaks. This topography significantly influences air quality patterns, as the surrounding mountains can trap pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions while the water bodies provide some moderating effects. Jiujiang lies within the Yangtze River Economic Belt, a major industrial corridor where manufacturing, chemical production, and shipping activities contribute to regional pollution. The urban-rural gradient shows dense urban cores along the riverfront transitioning to agricultural zones growing rice, cotton, and tea in the hinterlands. Prevailing winds from the northeast during winter and southeast during summer interact with this landscape, sometimes carrying industrial emissions from upstream cities while at other times dispersing local pollution over Poyang Lake. The city's position at the junction of major transport routes means vehicle emissions compound with industrial and residential coal burning, particularly during heating seasons.

Jiujiang's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by the East Asian monsoon system and local meteorological conditions. During winter (December-February), cold, dry northeasterly winds prevail, but temperature inversions frequently develop in the river valley, trapping pollutants from heating systems and industrial activities near the surface. This period typically sees the highest pollution concentrations, with January often being the most challenging month for respiratory health. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these cold, stagnant spells. Spring (March-May) brings transitional weather with increasing rainfall that helps wash particulate matter from the air, though occasional dust events from northern regions can temporarily degrade air quality. The monsoon arrives in summer (June-August), bringing southeasterly winds from the ocean that disperse pollutants effectively, while convective rainfall provides natural cleansing. This season offers the cleanest air for outdoor activities. Autumn (September-November) begins with relatively good conditions but gradually deteriorates as temperatures drop and atmospheric stability increases, with October often experiencing haze episodes due to agricultural burning in surrounding rural areas combined with decreasing wind speeds. Throughout the year, morning fog is common due to the abundant water surfaces, which can temporarily elevate particulate concentrations until daytime heating disperses the moisture.