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Kurnool, situated in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh at coordinates 15.8281°N, 78.0373°E, occupies a strategic position in India's Deccan Plateau. The city lies at an elevation of approximately 274 meters above sea level, nestled within the undulating terrain of the Eastern Ghats foothills. This topography creates a basin-like effect that traps pollutants, particularly during cooler months when temperature inversions form. Kurnool's urban character blends historic fortifications with modern expansion, creating an urban-rural gradient where agricultural lands transition into industrial zones. The city's location along the Tungabhadra River provides some moisture but insufficient to consistently disperse airborne contaminants. Surrounded by limestone-rich geological formations, Kurnool has developed as a cement production hub, with quarries and processing plants contributing significantly to particulate matter emissions. The region's agricultural belt, particularly surrounding paddy fields, generates seasonal burning emissions that drift into the urban core. Kurnool's position as a transportation node connecting Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai ensures heavy vehicular traffic, while its semi-arid landscape produces substantial road dust. The city's geography—shielded by hills yet open to seasonal winds—creates complex pollution dynamics where industrial emissions from the cement corridor mingle with urban and agricultural sources, exacerbated by the region's tropical climate patterns.

Kurnool's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by its tropical wet-and-dry climate. During winter (November-February), pollution peaks dramatically as temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, compounded by agricultural burning after harvests and increased construction activity during the cooler months. These months feature frequent fog that mixes with particulate matter, creating hazardous conditions—sensitive groups should avoid morning outdoor activities when pollution concentrations are highest. The summer season (March-May) brings extreme heat that photochemically transforms vehicle emissions into ground-level ozone, though stronger daytime winds provide some dispersion; afternoon heat makes outdoor exertion dangerous for all residents. The monsoon (June-September) offers the cleanest air as southwest winds and heavy rains wash pollutants from the atmosphere, making this the optimal period for outdoor activities despite high humidity. Post-monsoon (October) sees a rapid deterioration as winds shift, agricultural burning resumes, and industrial activity intensifies before winter inversions set in. Throughout the year, weather hazards like cyclones can temporarily improve air quality through cleansing rains but may also stir up dust afterward. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor local air quality advisories particularly during winter mornings and summer afternoons, when pollutant concentrations reach their daily peaks.