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Nek’emtē, nestled within the Oromīya region of Ethiopia at coordinates 9.0833°N, 36.5500°E, occupies a significant position in the western highlands. The city’s elevation, approximately 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) above sea level, profoundly influences its climate and, consequently, its air quality. Situated amidst rolling hills and fertile agricultural lands, Nek’emtē benefits from a relatively temperate climate compared to lower-lying regions of Ethiopia. The surrounding landscape is dominated by coffee plantations and small-scale farming, contributing to localized particulate matter from agricultural practices. While no major bodies of water directly border Nek’emtē, the city is within the watershed of several rivers flowing towards the Nile basin. The urban-rural gradient is quite pronounced; the city centre exhibits increasing concentrations of vehicular emissions and dust from construction, while the periphery remains largely agricultural. The lack of substantial industrial belts within the immediate vicinity mitigates some industrial pollution, but biomass burning for cooking and heating, particularly in the surrounding rural areas, represents a significant source of airborne pollutants. The terrain, characterised by undulating hills, can trap pollutants during periods of calm weather, exacerbating air quality issues. This geographic setting dictates the dispersion patterns of pollutants and influences the city’s overall air quality profile.

Nek’emtē experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, defining its ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons rather than traditional four seasons. The primary wet season, extending from June to September, generally offers improved air quality due to rainfall scavenging particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also foster mold growth, potentially impacting respiratory health. The long dry season, from October to May, presents the most challenging air quality conditions. During this period, agricultural burning intensifies as farmers prepare fields for planting, releasing substantial smoke and particulate matter. Dust from unpaved roads and construction activities also contributes significantly. January and February are typically the driest months, and therefore the worst for air quality. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level. The short wet season from March to May provides temporary relief, but the transition periods can be unpredictable. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exertion during the dry season, particularly in the mornings when pollutant concentrations are highest. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from agricultural areas will carry smoke into the city.