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Veys, a small city in Khuzestan Province, Iran, sits at approximately 31.4861°N latitude and 48.8747°E longitude, nestled within the southwestern Iranian landscape. The city’s elevation is relatively low, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. Veys is situated within the broader Khuzestan Plain, a region historically known as Susiana, characterized by alluvial plains formed by the Karun, Karkheh, and Dez rivers. This proximity to waterways, while vital for agriculture, also creates conditions conducive to humidity and potential fog formation, trapping pollutants. The surrounding terrain is largely flat, transitioning to the Zagros Mountains further east, which can occasionally influence wind patterns. Khuzestan is a significant agricultural region, with extensive date palm cultivation and wheat farming surrounding Veys, and also hosts substantial oil extraction and petrochemical industries. These industries, concentrated along the coast and inland, are major contributors to air pollution. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural lands immediately bordering the city limits. Dust storms originating from the western and southern deserts are a frequent occurrence, exacerbating particulate matter concentrations and impacting air quality significantly. The city’s location within a basin further limits air circulation, compounding pollution issues.

Veys experiences a harsh continental climate with intensely hot summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Air quality in Veys is markedly seasonal. Summer (June-August) sees the worst conditions, driven by high temperatures promoting photochemical smog formation from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust. Stagnant air masses and strong solar radiation exacerbate ozone and particulate matter levels. Dust storms, originating from the Arabian Peninsula and Iraqi deserts, are also prevalent during these months, significantly degrading air quality. Autumn (September-November) brings a temporary improvement as temperatures cool and winds increase, dispersing pollutants. However, agricultural burning of crop residue can create localised spikes in particulate matter. Winter (December-February) offers the best air quality, with increased rainfall washing away pollutants and cooler temperatures reducing smog formation, though temperature inversions can still trap pollutants near the ground. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual deterioration as temperatures rise and agricultural activities resume. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the summer and periods of dust storms. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from the southwest often carry pollutants from industrial areas.