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K'ebrī Beyah occupies a strategic position in eastern Ethiopia's Somali Region, situated at coordinates 9.0833°N, 43.0833°E within the Sumalē Zone. The city lies approximately 1,000 meters above sea level on the eastern edge of the Ethiopian Highlands, where the rugged terrain transitions toward the arid Ogaden plains. This elevational gradient creates a distinct urban-rural interface where K'ebrī Beyah serves as a regional administrative and commercial hub for surrounding pastoral communities. The city's geography is characterized by semi-arid conditions with sparse vegetation, positioned about 150 kilometers northeast of Jijiga and 400 kilometers east of Addis Ababa. While no major rivers flow directly through the urban area, seasonal streams (locally called 'tugs') emerge during rainy periods, contributing to localized dust when dry. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of acacia-dotted savannah transitioning to shrubland, with limited agricultural activity focused on subsistence farming and livestock grazing. K'ebrī Beyah's air quality is significantly influenced by its location: the city experiences frequent dust transport from the adjacent Ogaden desert, particularly during dry seasons when northeasterly winds prevail. The urban area's compact development, combined with unpaved roads in peripheral districts, generates substantial particulate matter. Additionally, the city's position along transport corridors connecting Ethiopia to Somaliland contributes to vehicular emissions, while domestic biomass burning for cooking and heating adds to the pollution burden. The lack of significant industrial zones means pollution sources are predominantly diffuse—vehicle exhaust, road dust, residential burning, and occasional agricultural fires—creating a persistent haze that interacts with the region's intense solar radiation.

K'ebrī Beyah's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by the region's bimodal rainfall regime. During the dry season from December to February, pollution concentrations typically peak as northeasterly winds transport fine dust from the Ogaden desert, combining with increased residential biomass burning for warmth during cooler nights. These months experience frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, particularly in the early mornings when cold air settles in the city's topographic basin. Sensitive groups—including children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions—should limit outdoor activities during morning hours and consider protective masks when dust storms occur. The short rainy season (March to May) brings some relief as precipitation washes particulate matter from the atmosphere, though humidity can occasionally combine with pollutants to create hazy conditions. June through August represents the most favorable period for outdoor activities, with cleaner air resulting from the main rainy season's regular showers and southerly winds that disperse urban emissions. However, occasional dust events may still occur during dry spells. The transitional period from September to November sees gradually deteriorating air quality as rains diminish and agricultural burning increases after harvests. Throughout the year, wind patterns play a crucial role: daytime breezes typically improve dispersion, while calm nights allow pollutants to accumulate. Visitors with asthma or cardiovascular concerns should plan visits during the June-August window when pollution levels are generally lowest.