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Pattiyal, a municipality nestled within the verdant landscape of Kerala, India, occupies a relatively low-lying position at approximately 12.4356°N, 75.0691°E. With a population of around 19,186, the town is situated within the broader coastal plains of the Malabar region. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the alluvial deposits formed by the numerous rivers and backwaters that define Kerala’s geography. Pattiyal benefits from proximity to the Arabian Sea, influencing humidity and temperature, but also potentially trapping pollutants during calm weather conditions. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of rice paddies, coconut groves, and rubber plantations – typical of Kerala’s agricultural economy. While not a major industrial hub itself, Pattiyal’s air quality is influenced by regional industrial activity concentrated further north along the coast, and the increasing vehicular traffic associated with its growing urban centre. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with dense residential areas transitioning quickly to agricultural land. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces potential sources of particulate matter from biomass burning and fertilizer use. The town’s location, shielded by the Western Ghats, can also contribute to temperature inversions, exacerbating pollution episodes.

Pattiyal experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons heavily influencing air quality. The southwest monsoon, typically arriving in June and lasting until September, brings heavy rainfall which effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere, resulting in generally cleaner air during these months. However, increased humidity can also foster mould growth, impacting respiratory health. October to February constitutes the drier season, marked by lower rainfall and calmer winds. This period often sees a build-up of pollutants, particularly from vehicular emissions and local biomass burning for agricultural purposes. January and February are often the months with the least atmospheric dispersion. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) is characterised by rising temperatures and increasing convective activity, leading to localised dust storms and a temporary worsening of air quality. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler, drier months, trap pollutants near ground level. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the drier months, particularly in the mornings. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding peak traffic hours are advisable.