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Dewās sits at the heart of India's Malwa Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, positioned at coordinates 22.9600°N, 76.0600°E with an elevation of approximately 535 meters above sea level. This strategic location places the city within a transitional zone between the fertile Narmada River basin to the south and the agricultural plains of Malwa to the north, creating a unique urban-rural gradient that significantly influences its air quality patterns. The city's geography is characterized by gently undulating terrain with scattered hills, most notably the Chamunda Hill to the northeast, which can act as a partial barrier to air movement. Dewās lies approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Indore, positioning it within Central India's emerging industrial corridor while maintaining its identity as a regional commercial hub. The city lacks major water bodies in immediate proximity, with the closest significant river being the Shipra about 50 kilometers to the northwest. This absence of large water features reduces natural air cleansing effects while the surrounding agricultural zones—particularly soybean and wheat cultivation—contribute seasonal biomass burning emissions. The urban fabric itself, with its mix of traditional markets, residential areas, and growing industrial sectors including textile manufacturing and food processing, creates localized pollution hotspots. Dewās's elevation on the Malwa Plateau provides some natural ventilation advantages over lower-lying cities, but its position in India's interior means it receives pollutants transported from both the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Deccan Plateau, creating complex air quality dynamics influenced by regional wind patterns.

Dewās experiences distinct seasonal air quality variations shaped by its continental climate and regional meteorology. During winter (December-February), cold temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface, creating persistent haze and fog episodes that typically peak in January. This period sees the highest pollution concentrations as calm winds, low mixing heights, and increased biomass burning for heating combine to degrade air quality significantly. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities during morning hours when inversions are strongest. Spring (March-May) brings gradually improving conditions as temperatures rise and ventilation increases, though occasional dust storms from the Thar Desert can cause short-term particulate spikes. The pre-monsoon heat in May creates convective mixing that helps disperse pollutants vertically. Summer monsoon (June-September) offers the cleanest air as southwest winds bring moisture-laden air that washes pollutants from the atmosphere, with July and August typically having the best air quality for outdoor activities. However, high humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for some individuals. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a gradual deterioration as winds shift to northeasterly directions, transporting agricultural residue burning smoke from Punjab and Haryana, while decreasing temperatures and reduced rainfall allow pollutants to accumulate. The Diwali festival in October or November often causes sharp, temporary pollution spikes from fireworks. Throughout the year, morning exercisers should monitor visibility conditions, while asthma sufferers should be particularly cautious during winter inversion periods and post-monsoon biomass burning episodes.