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Kelafo, situated in the Sumalē region of Ethiopia at coordinates 5.5889, 44.2056, is a small city of approximately 14,242 inhabitants. Its location is characterised by a relatively flat terrain typical of the Danakil Depression’s periphery, though subtle undulations exist. The city lies within a semi-arid environment, bordering areas of more substantial desert landscapes to the east and northeast. Kelafo’s position isn’t directly adjacent to major bodies of water, though seasonal streams and washes are present, influenced by rainfall patterns in the highlands to the west. The surrounding landscape is predominantly scrubland and grassland, supporting pastoralist livelihoods. While Kelafo isn’t a heavily industrialised centre, its role as a trading post and transport hub for livestock and goods contributes to localised dust and particulate matter. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Kelafo represents a concentrated settlement within a vast, sparsely populated region. This isolation impacts air quality as pollutants have limited dispersion, and the lack of extensive green spaces reduces natural filtration. The prevailing winds, often carrying dust from the surrounding arid lands, significantly influence the city’s atmospheric composition. The city’s elevation, though not high, contributes to temperature variations that can trap pollutants.

Kelafo experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, defining its ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons rather than traditional four seasons. The primary dry season, from roughly November to March, is typically the period of poorest air quality. During these months, the lack of rainfall means dust and particulate matter remain suspended, exacerbated by increased human activity related to trade and transport. Strong, dry winds sweep across the landscape, further distributing these pollutants. The short ‘gu’ rainy season (March-May) offers temporary relief, washing away some particulate matter, but can also create muddy conditions and increase vehicle emissions. The ‘kiremt’ rainy season (June-September), though less intense, provides more sustained improvement in air quality due to consistent rainfall. However, increased humidity can also foster mould growth, potentially impacting respiratory health. October and early November represent a transitional period, with fluctuating conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly between January and March. Fog is rare, but temperature inversions can occur during cooler nights, trapping pollutants near ground level.