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Ebetsu sits on the fertile expanse of the Ishikari Plain in Hokkaido, functioning as a vital satellite city to the regional capital, Sapporo. Its geography is characterized by predominantly flat terrain, which facilitates the seamless expansion of urban infrastructure and sprawling agricultural zones. This flat landscape is a double-edged sword for air quality; while it allows for consistent wind flow, it lacks the natural topographic barriers that might otherwise scrub pollutants before they reach residential areas. The city is nestled within a transition zone where the dense urban fabric of Sapporo gives way to productive farmland, creating a distinct urban-rural gradient. This proximity to Sapporo means Ebetsu often inherits the vehicular emissions of a major metropolitan hub, particularly along the primary transport corridors that connect the two cities. The elevation is relatively low, making the area susceptible to temperature inversions during the cold months, which trap particulate matter close to the ground. To the west, the mountains of the Ishikari range act as a distant backdrop, influencing local weather patterns and directing moisture-laden winds from the Sea of Japan. The presence of various small rivers and irrigation canals further modulates the microclimate, adding humidity that can interact with airborne pollutants to form smog. Consequently, Ebetsu’s air quality is a complex interplay between its role as a commuter hub and its identity as a rural agricultural center, blending metropolitan smog with organic rural aerosols.

In Ebetsu, air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm dictated by Hokkaido's harsh winters and mild summers. Winter is the most challenging period; as temperatures plummet, the reliance on fossil-fuel-based heating systems—including oil and kerosene—increases significantly. This surge in domestic emissions, coupled with frequent temperature inversions that cap the lower atmosphere, often leads to a buildup of fine particulate matter. During these months, sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the coldest, stillest mornings. Spring brings a transition, characterized by the arrival of yellow dust from mainland Asia and high pollen counts from local flora, which can exacerbate respiratory distress for asthma sufferers. Summer offers a reprieve, as higher temperatures and increased convective activity help disperse pollutants. However, the high humidity and intense sunlight can trigger the formation of ground-level ozone, particularly near the busy roads linking Ebetsu to Sapporo. Autumn is generally the cleanest season, with crisp, cool air and steady winds that sweep the Ishikari Plain, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities. For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or elderly residents, the winter peak in particulates and the spring pollen surge represent the highest risk periods. Monitoring wind directions from the west often provides a clue to air clarity, as maritime breezes help flush the basin. Overall, the atmospheric health of Ebetsu fluctuates between winter stagnation and the refreshing clarity of the autumn winds, reflecting the regional climate.