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Villanueva, nestled within the Bolívar Department of Colombia, occupies a geographically significant position in the northern Caribbean region. Located at coordinates 10.4456, -75.2761, the town sits relatively close to the Caribbean coastline, approximately 25 kilometers inland. The terrain is characterized by a gently undulating landscape transitioning from coastal plains to the foothills of the Serranía de San Lucas mountains. This proximity to both the sea and higher elevations influences local weather patterns and, consequently, air quality. Villanueva’s elevation of around 100 meters above sea level contributes to a warm, humid climate. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with significant areas dedicated to fruit cultivation, particularly plantain and mango, and cattle ranching. While not a major industrial hub itself, Villanueva serves as a regional market town for surrounding agricultural communities. The urban-rural gradient is quite pronounced; the town centre is densely populated, while the periphery quickly dissolves into agricultural land. This pattern impacts air quality as agricultural practices, including potential burning of vegetation for land clearing, can contribute to particulate matter pollution. The prevailing winds, generally from the northeast, carry maritime influences but can also transport pollutants from nearby areas. The lack of significant topographical barriers allows for relatively easy dispersion, but localized conditions can still lead to pollutant build-up.

Villanueva experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern typical of the Colombian Caribbean, rather than distinct seasons. The primary dry season runs from February to April, coinciding with the influence of the trade winds and reduced rainfall. During these months, agricultural activities often intensify, including land preparation and potential burning, leading to increased particulate matter in the air. Dust from unpaved roads also becomes more prevalent. May marks the start of the first rainy season, lasting until July. The increased rainfall helps to suppress dust and wash pollutants from the atmosphere, generally improving air quality. August to November represents a shorter, less intense dry period, with a gradual increase in humidity. The second, more substantial rainy season extends from December to January, bringing the most significant improvements in air quality due to thorough atmospheric cleansing. Temperature inversions, while not frequent, can occur during the calmer periods of the dry seasons, trapping pollutants near the ground. Sensitive individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the drier months, particularly February to April, and be mindful of potential smoke from agricultural fires. Monitoring wind direction is also advisable, as pollutants can be transported from surrounding areas.