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Puerto López, nestled within the department of Meta, Colombia, occupies a crucial position in the transition zone between the Andean foothills and the vast eastern plains, the Llanos Orientales. Situated at coordinates 4.0872, -72.9606, the city’s elevation of approximately 300 meters above sea level influences its climate and air quality. The surrounding landscape is predominantly characterized by rolling hills and savannas, typical of the Orinoquía region. Puerto López is strategically located along the Guaviare River, a major tributary of the Orinoco, which plays a role in local humidity and potential for localized fog formation. While not heavily industrialized, the region supports significant agricultural activity, primarily cattle ranching and palm oil cultivation, contributing to potential particulate matter emissions from land use changes and agricultural practices. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city serving as a commercial hub for surrounding rural communities. This proximity to agricultural lands means that seasonal burning for land clearing can significantly impact air quality. The prevailing winds, generally from the east, can transport pollutants from these areas directly over the city, exacerbating air quality concerns. The city’s growth, while moderate with a population of 35,097, is increasing demand for transportation and energy, further influencing emissions profiles.

Puerto López experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, defining its ‘seasons’ rather than traditional four-season cycles. The wetter periods, typically from April to June and October to December, generally correlate with improved air quality. Increased rainfall effectively scrubs the atmosphere of particulate matter, suppressing dust and agricultural burn emissions. However, high humidity can also foster mold growth, impacting respiratory health. The drier periods, January to March and July to September, present the greatest air quality challenges. During these months, agricultural burning for pasture renewal and palm oil plantation management intensifies, releasing significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter. Wind patterns during the drier months can also become more stagnant, leading to pollutant accumulation. Temperature inversions, common in the mornings, trap pollutants near ground level. November and December, transitioning from the wet season, often offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the drier months, particularly when haze is visible. Monitoring local fire reports and staying indoors during peak burn times is crucial for protecting health.