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Portmore, Jamaica, situated in the parish of Saint Catherine, is a sprawling urban centre directly adjacent to Kingston, forming a continuous built-up area along the southern coast. Its coordinates (17.9500, -76.8799) place it on a relatively flat coastal plain, a narrow strip between the Caribbean Sea and the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The terrain is predominantly limestone-based, influencing drainage patterns and soil composition. Portmore’s location is critically affected by its proximity to Kingston’s industrial and commercial zones, as well as agricultural lands further inland. Prevailing easterly trade winds carry pollutants from Kingston westward towards Portmore, impacting air quality. The urban-rural gradient is steep; moving inland from the coast, the landscape transitions quickly to more rural, agricultural areas. The sea breeze offers some dispersion, but temperature inversions, common in tropical climates, can trap pollutants near ground level. The Hellshire Hills to the south provide a partial barrier, but also contribute to localised wind patterns. The city’s rapid, often unplanned, urban expansion has led to increased vehicular traffic and construction, further exacerbating air pollution challenges. The coastal location also means susceptibility to salt spray and marine aerosols, influencing particulate matter composition.

Portmore experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from December to April, sees reduced rainfall and increased dust levels, particularly from construction and unpaved roads. This period often coincides with higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) due to decreased atmospheric scavenging. January and February are generally the driest months, and outdoor activity for sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should be limited during peak traffic hours. The wet season, from May to November, brings frequent rainfall and increased humidity, which helps to wash pollutants from the air, leading to improved air quality. However, increased rainfall can also lead to localised flooding and the spread of mould, impacting indoor air quality. August and September, peak months for rainfall and potential for tropical storms, generally offer the cleanest air. Temperature inversions are common throughout the year, trapping pollutants, but are more pronounced during the drier months. The consistent trade winds provide some relief, but their effectiveness is reduced during calm periods. Monitoring wind direction is crucial for understanding pollutant transport.