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Cuddalore occupies a distinctive coastal position in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta region, situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. The city's geography is defined by its low-lying coastal plain, with elevations rarely exceeding 15 meters above sea level, creating a flat terrain that extends inland toward agricultural zones. This positioning places Cuddalore at the convergence of multiple environmental influences: to the east, the Bay of Bengal brings high humidity and salt-laden sea breezes that interact with industrial emissions; to the west, the city transitions into fertile agricultural lands of the Cauvery basin, though urban expansion has created a sharp urban-rural gradient. Cuddalore's location within the SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu) industrial belt—specifically the SIPCOT Industrial Complex in nearby Mettur—means it sits amidst concentrated chemical, pharmaceutical, and petroleum refining operations. The city's port facilities along the Gadilam River estuary add diesel-powered maritime and road traffic to the pollution mix. This coastal industrial geography creates a perfect storm for air quality challenges: sea breezes can disperse pollutants but also trap them when combined with temperature inversions, while humidity reacts with industrial emissions to form secondary pollutants. The surrounding landscape offers little topographic relief to facilitate pollutant dispersion, making Cuddalore particularly vulnerable to accumulation of airborne contaminants from both local industries and regional agricultural burning during certain seasons.

Cuddalore's tropical wet-and-dry climate creates distinct seasonal patterns in air pollution that residents must navigate carefully. During the northeast monsoon season (October-December), the city experiences its worst air quality as reduced wind speeds, frequent temperature inversions, and high humidity combine to trap industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust near ground level. November through February represents the peak pollution period when calm conditions prevail, allowing pollutants from SIPCOT industries, refinery operations, and port traffic to accumulate—sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities during these months, especially in early mornings when inversions are strongest. The summer months (March-May) bring some relief through increased sea breezes that disperse pollutants, though extreme heat can accelerate photochemical reactions creating ozone, and occasional dust from agricultural areas may worsen conditions. The southwest monsoon (June-September) provides the cleanest air as heavy rains scrub pollutants from the atmosphere and strong winds ensure good dispersion—this period offers the best conditions for outdoor activities. However, cyclonic weather during transition months can temporarily worsen air quality by stirring up settled pollutants. Throughout the year, coastal humidity interacts with industrial emissions to form fine particulate matter that poses particular respiratory risks. Sensitive groups including children, elderly residents, and those with pre-existing conditions should monitor local air quality reports year-round and use protective masks during peak pollution months.