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Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, nestled within the Camagüey Province of Cuba, occupies a geographically significant position on the island’s north-central coast. The city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Camagüey plain, a low-lying area formed by ancient marine terraces. This flatness, while facilitating urban development, also contributes to potential air quality challenges, limiting vertical mixing of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is a blend of agricultural lands – primarily sugarcane fields and pastures – interspersed with patches of scrubland and the broader, relatively undisturbed ecosystems of the Cuban landscape. The city sits approximately 15 kilometers inland from the northern coastline, offering some buffering from marine influences, but also placing it within reach of agricultural emissions. Camagüey Province is known for its intensive agricultural practices, and the prevailing winds can carry particulate matter and volatile organic compounds from these zones towards Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. The urban fabric itself is a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and plazas, a legacy of its historical design intended to confuse pirates. This dense urban form can trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind. The urban–rural gradient transitions relatively quickly, with agricultural land dominating the immediate periphery. There are no major industrial belts directly adjacent to the city, though some smaller-scale processing facilities related to agriculture are present in the surrounding region. The relatively low elevation (averaging around 20 meters above sea level) minimizes the potential for topographic influences on air flow, but also means the city is susceptible to sea-level rise and associated impacts on air quality from coastal processes.

Carlos Manuel de Céspedes experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly influencing its air quality profile. The dry season, typically from November to April, often sees clearer skies and reduced humidity, but can also lead to increased concentrations of particulate matter due to agricultural burning practices. Farmers often conduct controlled burns of sugarcane fields to prepare for planting, releasing significant amounts of smoke and ash into the atmosphere. This is particularly noticeable in February and March. The wet season, from May to October, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity, which generally helps to cleanse the air by washing away pollutants and suppressing dust. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to flooding, which can release mold spores and other allergens into the air, impacting respiratory health. During the transition months (April and November), unstable atmospheric conditions can lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground, especially during calm nights. Fog, while infrequent, can also exacerbate air quality issues by reducing dispersion. The months of February and March are generally less favorable for outdoor activities, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities like asthma or COPD, due to the increased risk of particulate matter exposure from agricultural burning. The wet season offers a respite, but vigilance regarding allergens during periods of flooding is advised. Sensitive groups, including children and the elderly, should monitor local conditions and limit prolonged outdoor exposure during periods of agricultural burning or stagnant air.