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Kadapa, situated in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh's interior plateau, occupies a strategic position at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, approximately 8 kilometers from the Penna River. The city's geography is defined by its location at an elevation of 138 meters above sea level within a semi-arid basin surrounded by rugged hills composed of limestone and granite formations. This terrain creates a natural bowl effect that traps pollutants, particularly dust from extensive quarrying operations in nearby hills and emissions from the cement industry concentrated in the region. Kadapa serves as an administrative and commercial hub for surrounding agricultural districts, creating an urban-rural gradient where vehicle exhaust and construction dust from urban expansion mix with agricultural burning residues from the countryside. The city lies within India's mineral-rich belt, with industrial zones developing along transportation corridors, while the absence of major water bodies nearby means there's limited natural cleansing through precipitation or humidity except during monsoon periods. The surrounding landscape of dry deciduous forests and scrubland contributes to seasonal dust storms, while the city's position away from coastal influences results in stagnant air conditions that exacerbate pollution accumulation, especially during cooler months when temperature inversions become frequent.

Kadapa's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by its tropical wet-and-dry climate. During the winter months from November through February, pollution reaches its peak as cooler temperatures create frequent ground-level temperature inversions that trap emissions from vehicles, industries, and dust sources. These months experience minimal rainfall and often calm winds, allowing particulate matter from limestone quarrying, cement production, and agricultural burning to accumulate in the basin-like terrain. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during these months, particularly in early mornings when fog combines with pollutants. The summer season from March to May brings extreme heat that increases photochemical reactions and dust suspension, though occasional convective winds provide some dispersion. The southwest monsoon from June to September dramatically improves air quality through cleansing rains that wash away particulate matter, though humidity can temporarily increase discomfort. Post-monsoon months of October see a gradual deterioration as agricultural burning resumes and weather patterns stabilize. For optimal outdoor activity, the monsoon months offer the cleanest air, while winter requires protective measures like masks for vulnerable populations. The city's location makes it susceptible to occasional cyclonic influences that can bring either cleansing rains or dust storms depending on their trajectory.