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Santa María de Jesús, nestled within the department of Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, occupies a strategically important position in the Guatemalan Highlands. Located approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city’s geography is defined by its undulating terrain and proximity to the towering Volcán de Agua. The coordinates 14.4933° N, -90.7094° W place it at an elevation of roughly 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) above sea level, contributing to cooler temperatures compared to lower-lying regions. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields – primarily maize and coffee plantations – interspersed with patches of pine and oak forest. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, contributes to potential particulate matter emissions. The urban–rural gradient transitions relatively quickly, with small-scale farming dominating the outskirts of the city. While Santa María de Jesús lacks direct access to major bodies of water, it benefits from the region’s generally reliable rainfall, crucial for agriculture and influencing local humidity. The city’s location within a valley, while providing some shelter, can also trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind. Industrial activity is limited, primarily consisting of small workshops and food processing facilities, but the proximity to Antigua Guatemala, with its tourism-related businesses and some light industry, means that Santa María de Jesús can be affected by transboundary pollution events. The volcanic soil, while fertile, can also be a source of dust during the dry season, further impacting air quality.

Santa María de Jesús experiences a distinct wet and dry season pattern typical of the Guatemalan Highlands, significantly influencing its air quality. The dry season, generally spanning November through April, is characterized by lower rainfall and increased solar radiation. This often leads to a build-up of particulate matter from agricultural burning, dust resuspension from unpaved roads, and a reduction in atmospheric cleansing due to the lack of rain. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the problem. The wet season, from May to October, brings frequent rainfall, which naturally washes pollutants from the atmosphere, leading to improved air quality. However, heavy rainfall can also trigger landslides and flooding, potentially releasing dust and debris into the air. Wind patterns are generally variable, but periods of calm winds during the dry season contribute to pollutant stagnation. Fog, particularly in the mornings during the cooler months, can also trap pollutants, reducing visibility and impacting respiratory health. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, particularly June through September. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting prolonged outdoor exposure and avoiding strenuous activity, especially during periods of visible haze or dust. Agricultural practices should be carefully managed to minimize burning, and road maintenance should prioritize dust suppression techniques.