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Ciudad del Carmen, nestled on the western coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Campeche, Mexico, occupies a unique and vulnerable geographic position. Situated on a low-lying delta formed by the Carmen River, the city’s terrain is remarkably flat, averaging just 10 meters above sea level. This proximity to the Gulf of Campeche significantly influences its climate and, consequently, its air quality. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of mangrove forests, coastal wetlands, and extensive oil fields – a defining characteristic of the region. The city serves as a crucial logistical hub for the petroleum industry, with numerous offshore platforms and associated infrastructure dominating the seascape. This industrial activity, concentrated in the northern and eastern sectors, represents a primary source of potential air pollutants. The urban–rural gradient transitions rapidly from the city’s core to agricultural lands and dense mangrove ecosystems, creating a complex interplay of emissions and dispersion patterns. The prevailing easterly trade winds, typical of the Yucatán Peninsula, generally push pollutants westward towards the Gulf, but local topography and weather patterns can disrupt this flow. The deltaic nature of the land also limits vertical mixing, potentially trapping pollutants closer to ground level. Furthermore, the region's susceptibility to hurricanes and tropical storms introduces another layer of complexity, as these events can temporarily alter wind patterns and rainfall, impacting both pollutant dispersal and the release of fugitive emissions from industrial sites. The city’s growth has been intrinsically linked to the oil industry, leading to a rapid urban expansion that has encroached upon previously undeveloped areas, further altering the local environment.

Ciudad del Carmen experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting its air quality dynamics. The dry season, typically from February to May, often sees a slight improvement in air quality due to increased wind speeds and reduced humidity. These winds, predominantly from the east, help disperse pollutants emanating from the oil industry and vehicular traffic. However, periods of calm can lead to localized stagnation, particularly in the industrial zones, allowing pollutants to accumulate. The wet season, from June to October, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity. While rainfall naturally scavenges some airborne particles, the increased humidity can exacerbate the formation of ground-level ozone, a secondary pollutant formed through photochemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. The months of July and August are often the most challenging, with stagnant air and high temperatures creating conditions conducive to ozone formation. Fog, though infrequent, can also trap pollutants, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. During hurricane season, heavy rainfall and strong winds can temporarily flush out pollutants, but the associated disruption to industrial operations and potential for fuel spills pose additional risks. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest and most humid periods, particularly in areas near industrial facilities. Maintaining awareness of local weather conditions and avoiding strenuous activity during periods of stagnant air are crucial preventative measures.