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Al Qūşīyah, nestled within the Asyūţ Governorate of Egypt, occupies a geographically significant position in the Nile River Valley. Located at approximately 27.44°N, 30.82°E, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the fertile floodplain surrounding the Nile. Its elevation is relatively low, averaging around 25 meters above sea level, contributing to a stable atmospheric layer that can, under certain conditions, trap pollutants. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields – primarily sugarcane, cotton, and maize – interspersed with small villages and scattered groves of date palms and citrus trees. This agricultural intensity, while vital to the regional economy, introduces diffuse sources of air pollution through pesticide application and biomass burning during harvest seasons. Al Qūşīyah sits within a transitional zone between the densely populated Nile Delta to the north and the drier, more arid landscapes of Upper Egypt. This urban–rural gradient influences local wind patterns and the dispersal of pollutants. The proximity to the Nile itself, while providing a crucial water source, can also contribute to localized humidity and fog formation, particularly during cooler months, which can exacerbate air quality issues by reducing atmospheric mixing. There are no major industrial belts immediately adjacent to Al Qūşīyah, but its connection to regional transportation networks means it experiences vehicular emissions, and occasional industrial activity from nearby towns can impact air quality. The flat topography and limited elevation changes hinder the natural dispersion of pollutants, making the city susceptible to localized air quality degradation.

Al Qūşīyah’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by Egypt’s climate. The hot, dry months of May through September are generally characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall, leading to increased photochemical smog formation. Intense solar radiation drives reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, resulting in elevated levels of ozone and particulate matter. The prevailing winds during this period are often light and variable, further hindering pollutant dispersal. October and November mark the beginning of the cooler, slightly wetter season. While rainfall is infrequent, the reduced temperatures and increased humidity can lead to the formation of ground-level fog, particularly in the early morning hours, trapping pollutants near the surface. December through February represent the most favourable period for outdoor activities, with cooler temperatures and more consistent winds aiding in pollutant dispersion. However, agricultural burning associated with the harvest season can still contribute to localized spikes in particulate matter. March and April see a gradual warming trend, with increasing solar radiation and decreasing wind speeds, foreshadowing the conditions that will lead to the summer’s peak pollution levels. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during the hotter months and be mindful of potential fog events in the autumn. Agricultural workers should take precautions when pesticides are applied, and residents should be aware of potential smoke from agricultural burning.