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Grand Baie, nestled in the Rivière du Rempart district of Mauritius, is a coastal resort town characterized by a vibrant blend of tourism and local life. Geographically, it occupies a relatively flat coastal plain, gently sloping towards the Indian Ocean. The terrain is primarily coral-based, influencing the soil composition and drainage patterns. Situated on the northwest coast, Grand Baie benefits from prevailing trade winds, but its sheltered location within bays can also lead to localized air stagnation. The surrounding landscape transitions from residential and commercial areas in the town centre to more rural settings with sugarcane fields and tropical vegetation further inland. While Grand Baie itself doesn’t host heavy industry, the broader Rivière du Rempart district contains some agricultural activity, including fertilizer use, which can contribute to particulate matter. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with denser development concentrated around the bay and a quicker shift to agricultural land as one moves inland. Proximity to the ocean introduces sea spray, contributing to chloride levels in the air, and influences humidity. This coastal location, combined with the island’s tropical climate, creates unique atmospheric conditions impacting air quality, particularly concerning the dispersion of pollutants and the formation of secondary pollutants under sunlight.

Grand Baie experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, from May to October, generally presents better air quality due to lower humidity and stronger trade winds aiding pollutant dispersion. However, this period can also see increased dust from drier agricultural lands and occasional long-range transport of pollutants from mainland Africa. November to April marks the wet season, bringing higher humidity and potential for temperature inversions, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. Rainfall, while cleansing, can also wash pollutants into coastal waters. January and February, the hottest and most humid months, often experience stagnant air conditions, exacerbating localized pollution from vehicle emissions and small-scale burning. The southeast monsoon, peaking in February, can bring relief but also increased sea spray. Sensitive individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious during the peak of the wet season. Outdoor activities are generally most favourable during the drier months, especially June to September. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; onshore winds can bring pollutants from inland areas, while offshore winds offer cleaner air. Fog, though infrequent, can also trap pollutants during cooler mornings.