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Al Juwayyidah, situated in the Al ‘Āşimah Governorate of Jordan, occupies a strategically important location within the country’s central region. Its coordinates (31.9167, 35.9500) place it within a semi-arid landscape characterized by undulating hills and plains, typical of the Jordan Valley’s eastern fringes. The city’s terrain is gently sloping, facilitating urban expansion but also influencing local wind patterns. Al Juwayyidah lies approximately 20 kilometers east of the Jordan River, though direct access to the river is limited, impacting humidity levels and potential for precipitation-driven pollutant removal. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily cultivating olives, grapes, and fruit trees, interspersed with rocky outcrops and sparsely vegetated areas. This agricultural activity, while vital to the regional economy, can contribute to localized air pollution through pesticide use and dust generation during tilling. To the west, the urban sprawl of Amman gradually diminishes into rural settlements, creating a gradual urban-rural gradient. Further east, the landscape transitions into more arid desert terrain. The city’s elevation, averaging around 750 meters above sea level, contributes to temperature inversions during cooler months, trapping pollutants near the ground. The proximity to Amman, a major industrial and transportation hub, means Al Juwayyidah is susceptible to transboundary pollution, with industrial emissions and vehicular traffic from the capital impacting local air quality. The prevailing winds, generally from the west, carry pollutants eastward, affecting Al Juwayyidah’s air quality profile.

Al Juwayyidah’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by Jordan’s Mediterranean climate. Winters (November to March) are typically the most challenging period. Cold air masses descending from the north frequently lead to temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollutants near the ground. This phenomenon significantly reduces vertical mixing, resulting in stagnant air and elevated concentrations of particulate matter and other pollutants. Fog events, common during these months, further exacerbate the problem by limiting dispersion. Spring (April to May) brings a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and wind speeds increase, aiding in pollutant dispersal. However, agricultural activities, including plowing and fertilizer application, can contribute to localized dust and ammonia emissions. Summer (June to August) is generally the cleanest period, characterized by hot, dry conditions and strong, consistent winds that effectively ventilate the atmosphere. However, dust storms originating from the Arabian Peninsula can occasionally impact air quality, introducing large quantities of particulate matter. Autumn (September to October) sees a transitional period, with decreasing temperatures and increasing humidity, potentially leading to localized fog and a gradual return of temperature inversions towards the end of the season. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during winter months, limiting outdoor activity during periods of fog or stagnant air. During spring, minimizing exposure to agricultural areas during peak activity is advisable. While summer generally offers better air quality, dust storm warnings should be heeded.