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Jesús Menéndez, nestled in the Las Tunas province of Cuba, occupies a geographically interesting position within the island’s central region. The city’s coordinates, 21.1633° N, -76.4775° W, place it inland, approximately 60 kilometers from the northern coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and plains, typical of the Cuban landscape, with an elevation generally below 100 meters. This inland location, while offering some protection from direct marine influences, also means limited natural flushing of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with significant sugarcane and citrus cultivation, alongside pastureland for cattle ranching. While not a heavily industrialized zone, the processing of agricultural products contributes to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; Jesús Menéndez is a significant population centre within a largely rural province. This proximity to agricultural activities introduces potential for particulate matter from field preparation, harvesting, and biomass burning, impacting local air quality. The prevailing winds, influenced by the trade winds and seasonal weather patterns, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating these pollutants, with limited topographical features to disrupt airflow. The city’s air quality is therefore intrinsically linked to agricultural practices and regional meteorological conditions.

Jesús Menéndez experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing air quality. The dry season, typically spanning November to April, sees lower rainfall and increased dust suspension from agricultural lands, leading to elevated particulate matter concentrations. Stable atmospheric conditions during this period can exacerbate pollution, trapping emissions near the ground. February and March are often the driest months, potentially worsening air quality for those with respiratory sensitivities. The wet season, from May to October, brings relief through rainfall which effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of ground-level ozone, particularly during periods of intense sunlight. August and September, coinciding with the peak of the hurricane season, can experience periods of stagnant air before and after storm passages, leading to localised pollution build-up. Sensitive individuals, including children and the elderly, should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and monitor their health closely. During the wet season, while overall air quality improves, awareness of ozone formation is crucial. Local agricultural burning, common during land preparation, should be avoided during calm weather conditions to minimise smoke impacts.