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Bajestān, nestled within the Khorāsān-e Raẕavī province of Iran, occupies a geographically significant position in the northeastern part of the country. Located at coordinates 34.5178° N, 58.1844° E, the city sits amidst a semi-arid landscape characterized by expansive plains and the foothills of the Binalud Mountains to the north. The terrain is generally flat, gradually rising in elevation as one moves towards the mountainous regions. This relatively low-lying position, at approximately 1,450 meters above sea level, influences air circulation patterns. Bajestān’s air quality is intrinsically linked to its surrounding environment. The region is predominantly agricultural, with wheat and other grains being key crops, and some livestock farming. Dust storms originating from the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut deserts to the south and west are a recurring feature, significantly impacting particulate matter levels. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with Bajestān serving as a regional center for the surrounding agricultural communities. Limited industrial activity within the city itself means that regional transport and agricultural practices are the primary drivers of local pollution. Proximity to larger urban centers like Birjand also contributes to the potential for pollutant transport. The lack of substantial water bodies nearby limits evaporative cooling and can exacerbate temperature inversions.

Bajestān experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations that profoundly affect air quality. Spring (March-May) brings moderate temperatures and increased agricultural activity, leading to a rise in dust and particulate matter from land preparation and irrigation. Summer (June-August) is intensely hot and dry, with infrequent rainfall. Strong daytime heating can create localized thermal inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. This period often sees the highest concentrations of ozone due to increased sunlight and precursor emissions. Autumn (September-November) offers a brief respite with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, improving air quality temporarily. However, the onset of heating systems in homes and businesses begins to contribute to indoor air pollution, which can spill over into outdoor environments. Winter (December-February) is cold and often foggy, with frequent temperature inversions. These inversions, combined with increased reliance on fossil fuels for heating, result in the poorest air quality of the year. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during winter months and periods of high dust activity in spring. Avoiding strenuous activity outdoors during peak summer heat is also advisable. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial, as winds from the southwest often carry desert dust.