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Nestled on the southeastern coast of India in Andhra Pradesh, Nellore occupies a strategic position at the transition between the Bay of Bengal's coastal plains and the Eastern Ghats' foothills, with coordinates 14.4426°N, 79.9865°E. This city of approximately 547,621 people sits at a low elevation of around 18 meters above sea level, creating a flat urban landscape that extends into fertile agricultural zones and aquaculture ponds. Nellore's geography profoundly influences its air quality through multiple mechanisms. The city lies along the Penna River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal just south of the urban center, creating a humid coastal environment that can trap pollutants. Surrounding Nellore are extensive paddy fields and rice mills to the west and north, while aquaculture operations dominate the eastern coastal belt, both contributing specific emissions. The urban-rural gradient shows dense commercial and residential areas in the city core, with vehicle traffic concentrated on national highways NH16 and NH67, while peripheral zones blend into agricultural and industrial activities. This location in India's southeastern industrial corridor means Nellore experiences pollution from both local sources and regional transport, particularly during dry seasons when winds from the northwest carry dust from construction sites and unpaved roads. The city's proximity to both marine and terrestrial environments creates complex air circulation patterns that alternately disperse and concentrate pollutants depending on seasonal weather systems.

Nellore's tropical wet-and-dry climate creates distinct seasonal patterns in air quality that residents must navigate carefully. During the winter months from December through March, pollution reaches its peak as cooler temperatures combine with frequent temperature inversions that trap vehicle exhaust, construction dust, and emissions from rice mills near the surface. These months experience minimal rainfall and often calm winds, allowing pollutants to accumulate over the city, particularly during morning hours when fog sometimes forms. Sensitive groups including children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities during early mornings and late evenings in these months when pollution concentrations are highest. The summer season from April to June brings extreme heat that can intensify photochemical reactions creating secondary pollutants, though increased sea breezes from the Bay of Bengal provide some dispersion. The southwest monsoon from July to September dramatically improves air quality through heavy rainfall that washes away particulate matter, making this the most favorable period for outdoor activities despite flooding risks. October and November represent a transitional period with moderate pollution levels as monsoon retreats and winter conditions begin to establish. Throughout the year, weather hazards like cyclones can temporarily disrupt pollution patterns through strong winds and heavy rainfall, while drought conditions exacerbate dust problems. Residents should monitor local air quality advisories particularly during the peak pollution months when combining outdoor activities with time of day considerations becomes crucial for health protection.