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Los Alcarrizos occupies a distinctive position within the Ozama province of the Dominican Republic, situated approximately 18 kilometers northwest of Santo Domingo at coordinates 18.5167°N, -70.0167°W. This urban municipality lies within the broader Caribbean coastal plain, characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain with an average elevation around 30 meters above sea level, though subtle elevation changes occur as one moves toward the northern periphery where foothills begin. Its location places it squarely within the Santo Domingo metropolitan area's northwestern expansion zone, creating a pronounced urban-rural gradient where dense residential neighborhoods transition to peri-urban and agricultural lands. The city's proximity to the Ozama River basin—approximately 5 kilometers southeast—and the Caribbean Sea about 15 kilometers south influences local humidity patterns while providing limited natural ventilation. Surrounding landscapes include mixed agricultural zones producing crops like plantains and vegetables, alongside increasing commercial and light industrial development along major transport corridors. This geographic setting specifically affects air quality through several mechanisms: the relatively low elevation and flat terrain can trap pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions, while the urban heat island effect from Santo Domingo's metropolitan expansion exacerbates local temperature patterns. The city's position downwind from Santo Domingo's industrial and vehicular emissions, combined with its own growing urban sources, creates a complex pollution profile where topography offers little natural dispersion assistance, making meteorological conditions particularly influential for air quality outcomes.

Los Alcarrizos experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape its air quality patterns throughout the year. During the dry season from December to April, pollution typically peaks due to several converging factors: reduced rainfall allows particulate matter to accumulate, while increased vehicular traffic during the holiday season and agricultural burning in surrounding areas contribute additional emissions. Temperature inversions become more frequent during these cooler months, trapping pollutants near the surface, particularly during calm morning hours when winds from the northeast are lightest. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during late December through February when these conditions are most pronounced. The wet season from May to November brings relief as frequent afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity help wash pollutants from the air, with June through August offering the cleanest air despite occasional Saharan dust intrusions. However, tropical systems during hurricane season (June-November) can temporarily degrade air quality through wind-blown dust and debris. Year-round, sea breezes from the southeast provide some ventilation, though their effectiveness diminishes during the dry season's stable atmospheric conditions. For optimal outdoor activity timing, early mornings before traffic peaks or late afternoons after rain showers generally offer better air quality. Health guidance emphasizes that children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions should monitor local air quality reports particularly during the dry season's inversion episodes and avoid outdoor exertion on visibly hazy days when particulate concentrations are elevated.