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Camajuaní, nestled in the heart of Villa Clara province, Cuba, occupies a geographically significant position within the island’s central plains. Located at approximately 22.4678° N, 79.7239° W, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Cauto Central Plain, a low-lying area formed by sedimentary deposits. This flatness, while facilitating urban expansion, also presents challenges regarding air quality dispersion. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural lands – primarily sugarcane fields and pastures – interspersed with smaller settlements and scattered groves of native trees. The city sits relatively far from major mountain ranges, limiting natural air cleansing through uplift and precipitation. The nearest significant body of water is the Zaza Reservoir, Cuba’s largest, located to the east. While the reservoir provides a vital water source and contributes to regional humidity, its influence on local air quality is limited due to distance and prevailing wind patterns. Camajuaní’s urban footprint gradually transitions into rural agricultural zones, creating a subtle urban–rural gradient. Historically, the area supported sugar mills, and while many have been modernized or repurposed, some industrial activity persists, contributing localized pollution sources. The lack of significant elevation and the flat topography mean that pollutants tend to linger closer to the ground, particularly during periods of calm winds. The city’s central location within Cuba means it’s influenced by regional weather systems, impacting both temperature and humidity, which in turn affect pollutant behaviour. The surrounding agricultural practices, including fertilizer use and sugarcane burning (though increasingly regulated), also contribute to the overall air quality profile.

Camajuaní’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning November to April, often sees a build-up of particulate matter. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and the prevailing winds, frequently light during this period, struggle to disperse pollutants effectively. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the issue. Agricultural activities, particularly sugarcane harvesting, can contribute to smoke and dust during this time, though regulations aim to minimize open burning. The wet season, from May to October, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, naturally washing away particulate matter and diluting gaseous pollutants. However, the increased humidity can also promote the formation of ground-level ozone under specific conditions – high temperatures and sunlight. The months of June, July, and August often experience the highest temperatures, potentially leading to elevated ozone levels. During the wet season, periods of heavy fog can also temporarily reduce visibility and trap pollutants close to the surface. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of calm winds or visible haze. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, although monitoring local weather conditions is always advisable. The interplay of wind patterns, temperature fluctuations, and rainfall dictates the cyclical nature of air quality in Camajuaní, demanding adaptive strategies for public health.