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Villa Hidalgo, Jalisco, nestled within the broader Guadalajara metropolitan area, occupies a geographically significant position in the central highlands of Mexico. Located at approximately 21.6667° N, 102.6000° W and an elevation of roughly 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level, the city benefits from a relatively temperate climate, but its topography presents unique challenges for air quality. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, typical of the Trans-Mexican Neovolcanic Belt, which can trap pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. Villa Hidalgo’s proximity to Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, means it’s influenced by the urban sprawl and industrial activity of the metropolitan area. To the west, agricultural zones, primarily dedicated to maize and agave cultivation, contribute to seasonal particulate matter, particularly during harvest periods. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural land transitioning quickly into residential and light industrial areas within Villa Hidalgo. The lack of significant bodies of water within immediate proximity limits natural air purification processes. The prevailing winds, often channeled through the valleys, can either disperse pollutants or concentrate them depending on atmospheric stability. The city’s location within a basin, coupled with the surrounding hills, creates a scenario where temperature inversions are possible, particularly during the cooler months, exacerbating air pollution episodes. The regional industrial belt, concentrated further west towards Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, contributes to emissions that can impact Villa Hidalgo’s air quality.

Villa Hidalgo’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by Jalisco’s subtropical highland climate. The dry season, typically spanning from November to April, often presents the most significant air quality concerns. During these months, reduced rainfall and lower humidity contribute to the accumulation of particulate matter, stemming from vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and agricultural practices. Temperature inversions are more frequent during this period, trapping pollutants close to the ground, especially in the mornings. The months of December and January often see the poorest air quality due to the combination of cooler temperatures and stagnant air. Conversely, the wet season, from May to October, brings relief through frequent rainfall, which naturally washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, even during the wet season, agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, can lead to spikes in particulate matter. The intensity of the monsoon-like rains and the frequency of wind shifts play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants. Fog, common during the cooler mornings of the dry season, further reduces visibility and can trap pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of stagnant air or agricultural burning. Limiting outdoor exertion during peak pollution times and utilizing air filtration systems indoors are advisable. The transition months of April and October represent periods of moderate air quality, with fluctuating conditions influenced by both dry and wet season patterns.