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Anamorós, nestled within the department of La Unión in El Salvador, occupies a geographically significant position at 13.7333° N, 87.8667° W. The city’s terrain is characterized by a gentle slope rising from the Pacific coastal plain, transitioning into the foothills of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec volcanic range. This location dictates a subtropical climate and influences local air quality dynamics. Anamorós sits approximately 15 kilometers inland from the Pacific Ocean, benefiting from coastal breezes but also susceptible to marine-borne pollutants and humidity. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of small-scale agriculture, primarily coffee and sugarcane cultivation, interspersed with patches of secondary forest. To the west, the landscape gradually merges with the broader coastal plain, while to the east, the terrain ascends more steeply towards the volcanic highlands. This urban–rural gradient means agricultural practices, including burning for land clearing, can contribute to localized air pollution episodes. The city’s proximity to the industrial belt concentrated around the port of Usulután, roughly 30 kilometers to the northwest, introduces the potential for industrial emissions to impact air quality, particularly during periods of stagnant air. Elevation plays a role; Anamorós sits at an average elevation of around 300 meters, which can trap pollutants under certain meteorological conditions, especially during temperature inversions. The Pacific Ocean’s influence also brings occasional salt spray, impacting visibility and potentially exacerbating respiratory issues.

Anamorós experiences a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly impacting its air quality profile. The dry season, typically spanning November through April, often sees a build-up of pollutants due to reduced rainfall and diminished atmospheric cleansing. During these months, lower humidity and increased solar radiation can lead to photochemical smog formation, particularly if agricultural burning practices are prevalent. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, intensifying localized air quality concerns. The wet season, from May to October, brings frequent rainfall, which naturally washes pollutants from the atmosphere, leading to improved air quality. However, heavy rainfall can also mobilize dust and particulate matter from agricultural fields, temporarily degrading air quality. The intensity of the monsoon-like rains during the wet season can also lead to flooding, which can release pollutants from contaminated sites. Fog, particularly in the mornings during the transition periods between seasons, can trap pollutants and reduce visibility. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of stagnant air or agricultural burning. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, although vigilance regarding dust events is still advised. The interplay of these seasonal factors creates a dynamic air quality environment in Anamorós, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptive public health strategies.