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Keszthely, nestled in the Zala county of Hungary at coordinates 46.7675, 17.2463, occupies a strategically important location on the southwestern shore of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. The city’s terrain is gently undulating, rising slightly away from the lake, influencing local wind patterns and pollutant dispersion. With a population of approximately 17,849, Keszthely blends a historic urban core – dominated by the Festetics Palace – with surrounding agricultural lands. The lake itself exerts a moderating influence on the local climate, reducing temperature extremes but also contributing to potential fog formation, which can trap pollutants. While not heavily industrialized, the surrounding region features agricultural activity, including viticulture and crop farming, which can contribute to particulate matter from field work and seasonal burning of agricultural waste. Keszthely’s position within the Little Hungarian Plain means it experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from the city centre to open farmland and the expansive lake. This proximity to both natural and agricultural areas creates a complex interplay of factors affecting air quality, making localized pollution sources particularly noticeable. The prevailing winds generally flow from the west, carrying pollutants across the lake and potentially impacting the city.

Keszthely’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Winter, from December to February, often sees the poorest air quality due to temperature inversions trapping pollutants from residential heating – primarily wood and coal burning – close to the ground. Calm, stable atmospheric conditions exacerbate this, leading to increased concentrations of particulate matter. Spring (March-May) brings improvement as temperatures rise and winds become more frequent, dispersing pollutants. However, agricultural burning of crop residue in April and May can cause temporary spikes in particulate matter. Summer (June-August) generally offers the cleanest air, aided by strong convective currents and prevailing westerly winds that flush out pollutants. Lake Balaton’s breezes also contribute to dispersion. Autumn (September-November) sees a gradual decline in air quality as heating demand increases and atmospheric stability returns. Fog, common in the autumn months, can again trap pollutants. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during winter mornings and periods of agricultural burning. Monitoring local forecasts and avoiding peak heating hours can further mitigate exposure. The wettest months, typically May-July, tend to ‘wash’ the air, reducing particulate matter concentrations.