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Jamūī, a small city in the southeastern part of Bihar, India, occupies a relatively flat terrain within the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Situated at coordinates 24.9278°N, 86.2239°E, the city’s elevation is modest, contributing to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by rice paddies and small-scale farming, interspersed with patches of deciduous forests in the nearby hills. The proximity to the Ganges River, while providing a vital water source, doesn’t offer significant air purification due to the river’s own sediment load and limited flow during drier periods. Jamūī isn’t located within a major industrial belt, but regional brick kilns and stone crushing activities contribute substantially to particulate matter pollution. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city centre experiences higher concentrations of vehicular emissions and domestic fuel burning, while surrounding villages rely heavily on biomass for cooking and heating. This creates a complex pollution pattern, with localized hotspots and regional background pollution. The city’s location within the Indo-Gangetic Plain, known for its stagnant air masses, exacerbates pollution issues, trapping pollutants and hindering their dispersal. Dust storms originating from the western regions also frequently impact air quality.

Jamūī experiences a distinct seasonal air quality narrative. The winter months (November to February) are typically the worst, with consistently poor air due to temperature inversions trapping pollutants near the ground, coupled with increased biomass burning for warmth. Fog further reduces visibility and exacerbates particulate matter concentrations. March and April bring a slight improvement as temperatures rise and winds pick up, but dust from agricultural activities remains a concern. The pre-monsoon season (May-June) sees scorching heat and dry winds, leading to increased dust and ozone formation. The monsoon season (July-September) offers a temporary respite, as rainfall washes away pollutants and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, stagnant conditions during breaks in the monsoon can lead to localized pollution build-up. October witnesses a gradual deterioration as the monsoon retreats and winter conditions begin to set in. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should avoid prolonged outdoor activity during winter and periods of high dust. Monitoring wind patterns and avoiding peak hours for outdoor exercise are advisable. The monsoon, while offering cleaner air, also brings increased humidity and potential for mold growth, requiring caution for allergy sufferers.