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Méru, nestled in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, occupies a gently undulating landscape within the Beauvaisis, a traditional county known for its agricultural productivity. Situated at coordinates 49.2356° N, 2.1339° E, the town lies approximately 50km north of Paris and 30km south of Beauvais. The terrain is characterised by low hills and broad valleys, shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch. The Epte river, a tributary of the Seine, flows nearby, influencing local microclimates and potentially contributing to humidity-related pollution dispersion. Méru’s urban character is that of a small, historically agricultural town undergoing moderate suburbanisation. Surrounding the town are extensive agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to cereal crops and livestock farming, which contribute to ammonia emissions. While not directly within a major industrial belt, its proximity to the Paris metropolitan area and associated transport networks means it experiences some degree of through-traffic pollution. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from residential areas to open farmland. This proximity to agricultural sources and transport routes significantly impacts local air quality, creating a complex pollution profile influenced by both local emissions and regional transport.

Méru experiences a temperate oceanic climate, resulting in distinct seasonal air quality patterns. Winter (December-February) often sees poorer air quality due to increased residential heating, particularly wood burning, combined with temperature inversions trapping pollutants near the ground. Calm, stable atmospheric conditions exacerbate this, leading to higher concentrations of particulate matter. Spring (March-May) brings improvements as temperatures rise and heating demand decreases, though agricultural activities like fertilisation can contribute to ammonia levels. Summer (June-August) generally offers the best air quality, aided by prevailing westerly winds that disperse pollutants and increased vertical mixing. However, heatwaves can trigger ground-level ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) sees a return to deteriorating conditions as heating resumes and agricultural harvesting releases dust and emissions. Fog, common in autumn and winter, can further trap pollutants. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during winter mornings and periods of stagnant air. Avoiding peak traffic hours and monitoring local conditions is advisable. The months of June, July, and August typically present the most favourable conditions for outdoor pursuits.