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Arta, Djibouti, is a port city strategically positioned on the Gulf of Tadjoura, a crucial inlet of the Red Sea. The city’s geography is defined by its coastal location, nestled between the arid landscapes of Djibouti’s interior and the marine environment. Arta’s terrain is relatively flat, rising gently inland, with the surrounding area dominated by volcanic formations and scrubland. The city’s elevation is low, approximately 20 meters above sea level, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The Gulf of Tadjoura’s shallow waters and restricted circulation can exacerbate localised pollution events. While Arta isn’t heavily industrialised, the port itself is a significant source of particulate matter from ship traffic, cargo handling, and associated transport. Surrounding the urban core are areas of pastoral land use, with livestock contributing to dust emissions, particularly during drier periods. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from the concentrated built environment of Arta to the sparsely populated, arid hinterland. This proximity to both marine and terrestrial sources, combined with the flat topography, creates a unique set of challenges for maintaining good air quality in Arta. The prevailing winds, often influenced by the seasonal monsoons, play a critical role in pollutant transport and dispersion.

Arta experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, with two distinct wet seasons – the *Karan* (summer monsoon, July-September) and the *Dadaa* (winter monsoon, November-March). Air quality in Arta is generally poorest during the dry seasons, particularly between April and June, and again in October. These periods see increased dust mobilization from the surrounding arid lands, exacerbated by strong, dry winds. The *Karan* monsoon brings temporary relief, washing away dust and improving air quality, but can also lead to increased humidity and potential for mould growth indoors. The *Dadaa* monsoon, while bringing more sustained rainfall, is often accompanied by cooler temperatures and temperature inversions, trapping pollutants closer to the ground, especially near the port. November and December can see a build-up of pollutants due to reduced wind speeds. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry seasons. The port’s activity levels remain relatively constant throughout the year, contributing a baseline level of particulate matter. Fog, common during the cooler months, can also trap pollutants, reducing visibility and worsening air quality. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from the west often carry dust from inland areas.