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Gelemso is a significant urban center in the Oromīya Region of Ethiopia, situated at coordinates 8.8167°N, 40.5167°E, placing it within the Horn of Africa's complex topography. The city lies at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level in the Ethiopian Highlands, a region characterized by rugged plateaus and deep valleys that profoundly influence local air circulation patterns. Gelemso is positioned in a transitional zone between the more arid lowlands to the east and the fertile highland agricultural belts to the west, creating an urban–rural gradient where farming activities blend with urban expansion. The surrounding landscape consists of rolling hills and scattered acacia woodlands, with no major bodies of water nearby, which limits natural air cleansing through precipitation or humidity. Its location along key transportation routes connecting larger cities like Addis Ababa to the southwest and Dire Dawa to the northeast exposes it to vehicular emissions and dust from unpaved roads. The city's air quality is affected by its topography, as the surrounding highlands can trap pollutants in valley basins during calm weather, while the general urban pollution sources—including household biomass burning, small-scale industries, and increasing motorization—are exacerbated by limited pollution dispersion mechanisms. The region's agricultural zones, particularly coffee and cereal farming, contribute seasonal burning residues, adding to particulate matter loads. This geographic setting creates a microclimate where air stagnation is common, making Gelemso vulnerable to persistent pollution episodes despite its moderate population size.

In Gelemso, air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by Ethiopia's bimodal rainfall regime and topographic influences. During the dry season from October to February, pollution typically peaks due to reduced precipitation, increased biomass burning for heating and land clearance, and frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground in the city's valley setting. December and January are particularly problematic, with calm winds and fog formation exacerbating particulate accumulation, making outdoor activities less advisable, especially for sensitive groups like children and the elderly. The short rainy season from March to May brings some relief through rainfall that washes pollutants from the air, though occasional dust storms from surrounding arid areas can temporarily spike pollution levels. The long rainy season from June to September offers the cleanest air, with consistent monsoon rains and stronger winds dispersing emissions, making this period favorable for outdoor exercise and reducing respiratory risks. However, humidity during these months can combine with pollutants to form secondary aerosols, occasionally causing hazy conditions. Sensitive individuals, including those with asthma or cardiovascular conditions, should monitor local weather reports for inversion warnings year-round and consider limiting exposure during morning hours when pollution concentrations are highest. The variability in peak pollution months reflects the interplay between agricultural cycles, urban emissions, and meteorological factors, with the dry season posing the greatest health challenges despite the absence of extreme weather hazards.