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Cenoví, nestled within the Cibao Nordeste region of the Dominican Republic (19.2500° N, 70.3700° W), occupies a geographically significant position within a landscape dominated by rolling hills and valleys characteristic of the Northern Cibao. The city’s elevation, averaging around 180 meters (590 feet) above sea level, contributes to localized microclimates and influences air circulation patterns. Cenoví sits within a predominantly agricultural zone, surrounded by fertile lands utilized for sugarcane, plantain, and livestock farming – key economic drivers for the region. This proximity to agricultural activity introduces potential sources of particulate matter, particularly during harvesting and burning seasons. The urban–rural gradient around Cenoví is relatively gradual, with small farming communities and dispersed rural settlements blending into the city’s periphery. While not directly adjacent to a major river, Cenoví benefits from the presence of smaller streams and irrigation canals, which can influence humidity levels and, consequently, the dispersion of pollutants. The Cibao Valley, a broad sedimentary basin, generally experiences consistent trade winds, but localized topography can disrupt these patterns, leading to stagnant air conditions in certain areas. The absence of large-scale industrial zones directly within Cenoví mitigates some pollution risks, but transportation corridors connecting the Cibao region to other parts of the Dominican Republic introduce vehicular emissions as a significant factor. The surrounding landscape, a mix of cultivated fields and scattered forests, plays a role in absorbing some pollutants, but also contributes to dust and biomass burning events.

Cenoví’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting air quality throughout the year. The dry season, typically spanning from December to April, often witnesses a noticeable increase in particulate matter. This is largely attributable to agricultural practices, specifically the controlled burning of sugarcane fields to prepare land for replanting. While regulated, these burns release significant quantities of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere, particularly during periods of reduced wind speed. Temperature inversions, more frequent during the cooler, drier months, can trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the situation. The wet season, from May to November, brings increased rainfall, which naturally helps to cleanse the air by washing away particulate matter. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased humidity, potentially affecting respiratory health for sensitive individuals. Fog, though less frequent than in other regions, can occasionally form during the cooler months, further hindering pollutant dispersion. Months like March and April, coinciding with peak sugarcane burning, are generally periods to exercise caution, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. During the wet season, while overall air quality tends to improve, periods of intense rainfall can still trigger mold growth and exacerbate allergies. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification is advisable year-round, with particular attention during the dry season’s burning events and the wet season’s humidity spikes. Staying informed about local weather patterns and agricultural activities is crucial for making informed decisions about outdoor exposure.