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Villanueva, nestled within the Casanare Department of Colombia, occupies a geographically significant position within the Llanos Orientales, or Eastern Llanos. Located at approximately 4.6087° latitude and -72.9288° longitude, the city’s elevation of around 450 meters above sea level places it within a transitional zone between the Andean foothills and the expansive, flat grasslands characteristic of the Llanos. This terrain, predominantly composed of alluvial plains and gently rolling hills, influences local wind patterns and contributes to potential air quality challenges. Villanueva’s surrounding landscape is dominated by savannas, pastures used for cattle ranching, and scattered patches of gallery forest along the tributaries of the Casanare River, which flows nearby. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city transitions quickly into agricultural land, with extensive cattle farming being the dominant economic activity. While Villanueva itself is a relatively small urban center, it serves as a regional hub for the surrounding agricultural communities. The lack of significant industrial belts within immediate proximity is a mitigating factor, however, agricultural practices, particularly the burning of vegetation for land clearing and cattle management, represent a key source of localized air pollution. The flat topography can also exacerbate the effects of temperature inversions, trapping pollutants closer to the ground, especially during drier periods. The region's climate, a tropical savanna, further influences air quality through seasonal variations in rainfall and humidity.

Villanueva’s tropical savanna climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from December to April, presents the greatest air quality concerns. Reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric moisture, hindering pollutant dispersal. Furthermore, the prevalence of temperature inversions during this period – where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air – traps pollutants near the ground, intensifying their concentration. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land preparation and pasture management, significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution during these months. The winds, often light and variable, offer limited ventilation, further compounding the issue. Outdoor activities are best limited during the peak burning months of January and February, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The wet season, from May to November, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the atmosphere and dispersing pollutants. Frequent rainfall events effectively ‘wash’ particulate matter from the air. However, periods of prolonged fog, common during the transition months (May and November), can temporarily reduce visibility and trap pollutants. While overall air quality improves during the wet season, localized emissions from vehicle traffic and smaller-scale agricultural activities still contribute to pollution. It’s advisable to monitor local conditions and avoid prolonged exposure to vehicle exhaust during periods of heavy traffic, regardless of the season. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation is always recommended.