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Ar Ramādī, the capital of Iraq's Al Anbār Governorate, occupies a strategic position along the Euphrates River in western Iraq's arid plains. Situated approximately 110 kilometers west of Baghdad at coordinates 33.4258°N, 43.2992°E, the city lies at an elevation of about 50 meters above sea level, placing it within the vast Mesopotamian alluvial plain. This geographic setting creates a distinctive urban character where the Euphrates serves as both a vital water source and a natural corridor, with the city's development historically concentrated along its banks. The surrounding landscape transitions from irrigated agricultural zones immediately adjacent to the river to expansive desert terrain extending westward toward the Syrian border, creating a sharp urban–rural gradient. Ar Ramādī's position within Iraq's western desert region means it experiences minimal influence from coastal weather systems, while its location downwind from Baghdad's industrial belt occasionally subjects it to transported pollutants. The flat terrain and lack of significant topographic barriers allow pollutants to disperse relatively freely, though this same feature can enable dust storms to travel unimpeded across the region. The city's proximity to agricultural areas along the Euphrates introduces seasonal biomass burning and agricultural dust, while its urban character contributes vehicle emissions and residential heating pollution during cooler months.

Ar Ramādī's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by its desert climate and urban characteristics. During spring (March-May), increasing temperatures and frequent Shamal winds from the northwest create ideal conditions for dust storms, with particulate matter concentrations peaking particularly in April and May when strong winds lift fine desert particles across the region. Summer (June-August) brings extreme heat exceeding 45°C, which reduces atmospheric mixing and can trap pollutants near the surface, though occasional strong winds provide some dispersion; this season sees elevated ozone levels due to intense sunlight reacting with vehicle emissions. Autumn (September-November) typically offers the most favorable air quality as temperatures moderate and wind patterns stabilize, with October and November being optimal months for outdoor activities. Winter (December-February) introduces temperature inversions that trap pollutants from residential heating and vehicle emissions, particularly during calm, cold nights when wood and fuel burning increases; December and January often see the worst urban pollution episodes. Sensitive groups including those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly should limit outdoor exertion during dust storm events in spring, high ozone afternoons in summer, and inversion periods in winter, while monitoring local air quality advisories year-round.