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Berlín, Usulután, in El Salvador, occupies a geographically complex position within the country’s southeastern region. Situated at coordinates 13.5000, -88.5333, the city is nestled in a valley surrounded by the volcanic peaks of the Lempa River watershed. This terrain significantly influences local air quality. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by coffee plantations and sugarcane fields, with some pockets of subsistence farming. The Lempa River, El Salvador’s largest, flows nearby, but its influence on direct air pollution is limited, primarily affecting humidity levels. Berlín’s elevation, approximately 300 meters above sea level, contributes to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants during calmer periods. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city centre is densely populated, while the periphery quickly transitions into rural farmland. While not a major industrial hub, small-scale processing of agricultural products contributes to particulate matter emissions. Dust from unpaved roads, common in the surrounding areas, is a persistent source of PM10. The city’s location within a valley restricts air circulation, exacerbating pollution episodes, particularly during the dry season when agricultural burning is prevalent. The prevailing winds, generally from the east, can transport pollutants from nearby areas, impacting Berlín’s air quality.

Berlín’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by El Salvador’s bimodal rainfall regime. The dry season, typically from February to May, presents the most challenging conditions. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads, alongside a rise in intentional burning of sugarcane fields post-harvest. This period sees a peak in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations. Temperature inversions, common during the calmer mornings of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level. The wet season, spanning from June to November, brings significant improvements. Rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, even during the wet season, localised pollution can occur from vehicle emissions and small-scale industrial processes. December and January represent a transitional period with moderate air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the peak dry season months of March and April. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; easterly winds can bring pollutants from agricultural zones. Fog, common in the mornings, can exacerbate particulate matter issues, even during the wet season.