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Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh's Malwa region, Raisen occupies a strategic position approximately 45 kilometres northeast of Bhopal, the state capital, placing it within the broader Central Indian urban-rural continuum. The city sits at an elevation of around 450 metres above sea level on the Vindhya Range's northern slopes, a terrain characterised by undulating hills and plateaus that influence local air circulation patterns. This topography, combined with its tropical wet-and-dry climate, creates microclimatic conditions where pollutants often become trapped in valley-like depressions, exacerbating air quality issues. Raisen is surrounded by extensive agricultural zones, primarily dedicated to wheat, soybean, and pulses, which contribute significantly to seasonal pollution through crop residue burning. The city lies near the Betwa River basin, though not directly on major water bodies, reducing natural ventilation effects that might otherwise disperse contaminants. Its location along National Highway 86 and proximity to Bhopal's industrial belt means it experiences transboundary pollution from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, while local sources like road dust from unpaved surfaces and construction activities add to the particulate burden. The urban-rural gradient here is pronounced, with Raisen serving as a district headquarters that blends administrative functions with agrarian dependencies, creating a unique pollution profile where domestic biomass burning for cooking and heating intersects with modern vehicular and construction emissions in a topographically constrained setting.

Raisen's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by its tropical wet-and-dry climate and agricultural calendar. During the winter months from November to February, pollution peaks dramatically due to a combination of meteorological and anthropogenic factors. Cold temperatures lead to frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground, while calm winds and dense fog—common in the Vindhya foothills—further inhibit dispersion. This period coincides with post-harvest agricultural burning in surrounding farmlands and increased domestic biomass burning for heating, creating hazardous conditions where sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor exposure, especially during early mornings when inversions are strongest. The summer months from March to June bring extreme heat that elevates ground-level ozone formation from vehicle exhaust, though stronger daytime winds and convective activity provide some pollutant dispersal, making late evenings the best time for outdoor activities. The monsoon season from July to September offers the cleanest air, as heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon scrubs pollutants from the atmosphere and high winds ensure thorough ventilation, though thunderstorms can temporarily kick up dust. The post-monsoon period in October sees a gradual deterioration as agricultural burning resumes and atmospheric stability increases, signaling the approach of the high-pollution winter. Year-round, road and construction dust remain persistent issues, but their impact is magnified during dry periods when wind-driven resuspension occurs.