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Kalocsa, nestled in the southern Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld), occupies a geographically significant position within the Bács-Kiskun county of Hungary. Its coordinates, 46.5333° N, 18.9856° E, place it in a relatively flat, low-lying area, averaging around 80 meters above sea level. The city’s defining characteristic is its proximity to the Kiskunság National Park, a vast expanse of semi-arid grasslands, sand dunes, and salt lakes to the south, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. This landscape influences local wind patterns and contributes to the region’s unique microclimate. Kalocsa sits on the banks of the Hór-patak stream, a tributary of the Kiskere stream, providing a limited water body influence on local humidity and temperature. Historically, the area was a crucial wetland, and while much of this has been drained for agriculture, residual moisture affects the local climate. The surrounding landscape is dominated by intensive agricultural land, primarily maize, wheat, and sunflower cultivation, which can contribute to particulate matter through tilling and harvesting activities. To the north and east, the landscape gradually transitions to more settled agricultural areas and smaller villages. The city’s relatively isolated location, far from major industrial belts, initially suggested cleaner air, but agricultural practices and occasional transport-related emissions now present localized air quality challenges. The flat terrain, while facilitating drainage, also hinders atmospheric dispersion, potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. The lack of significant elevation changes means that inversions can be more persistent, impacting air quality.

Kalocsa’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle heavily influenced by its climate and surrounding agricultural activities. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and winds increase, dispersing accumulated winter pollutants. However, this period also coincides with the start of agricultural activities, leading to increased dust and particulate matter from soil preparation and planting. Summer (June-August) generally offers the best air quality, with consistent winds and higher temperatures promoting dispersion. However, prolonged dry spells can exacerbate dust issues, particularly during harvest season. Autumn (September-November) marks a concerning shift. As temperatures cool and wind speeds decrease, a tendency for temperature inversions develops, trapping pollutants near the ground. Agricultural burning, a traditional practice in the region, also contributes significantly to particulate matter and smoke during this period. The combination of inversions and agricultural emissions often results in the poorest air quality of the year. Winter (December-February) is characterized by cold, calm conditions and frequent fog, which further restricts atmospheric mixing and traps pollutants. While heating systems contribute to emissions, the dominant factor remains the persistence of inversions and the limited wind speeds. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activity during autumn and winter mornings, particularly when fog is present. During harvest season, wearing a mask can reduce exposure to particulate matter. Staying informed about local weather forecasts and agricultural practices is crucial for managing potential air quality risks.