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Jaltenco occupies a strategic yet vulnerable position on the northern periphery of the Valley of Mexico, serving as a transitional zone where the dense urban sprawl of the metropolitan area meets the semi-rural landscapes of the State of Mexico. Situated at a high elevation on a plateau, the town is characterized by a rugged terrain of rolling hills and alluvial plains that define its urban character. This specific topography plays a critical role in atmospheric dynamics, as Jaltenco sits within the broader basin of the Valley of Mexico, a geographical feature notorious for trapping stagnant air. The town is flanked by a complex mosaic of small-scale agricultural plots and encroaching residential developments, creating an urban-rural gradient that influences local particulate matter levels. To its immediate south and east lie the heavy industrial belts of Tultitlán and Ecatepec, which serve as significant sources of anthropogenic emissions. These industrial zones release a steady stream of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides that are often carried toward Jaltenco by prevailing winds. Lacking significant nearby bodies of water to provide a moderating cooling effect, the region experiences high solar radiation, which catalyzes the formation of ground-level ozone. The interplay between the surrounding mountain ranges and the concentrated industrial activity in the neighboring municipalities ensures that Jaltenco often inherits the pollution loads of the larger metropolitan region, making its air quality deeply dependent on the regional atmospheric circulation and the complex urban morphology of the valley.

The air quality in Jaltenco follows a rigorous seasonal cycle dictated by the subtropical highland climate and the overarching dynamics of the Valley of Mexico. During the dry season, stretching from November through May, the town frequently experiences its most hazardous air conditions. This period is marked by frequent thermal inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler, polluted air near the surface, preventing the vertical dispersion of particulate matter and ozone. March and April are particularly critical, as increasing solar radiation accelerates photochemical reactions, leading to peak ozone levels that often trigger environmental alerts. Conversely, the wet season, spanning June to October, provides a natural respite. Heavy monsoon rains facilitate atmospheric scrubbing, effectively washing pollutants and aerosols from the sky and significantly lowering the concentration of suspended particles. However, the transition months can see spikes in pollution due to the burning of agricultural residues in the surrounding rural fringes. For sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory conditions, the spring months are the most perilous, requiring a reduction in outdoor physical activity during the mid-afternoon peak. It is highly recommended to monitor local environmental bulletins during the winter-spring transition to avoid exposure during stagnation events. By favoring the late summer and early autumn for outdoor recreation, residents can take advantage of the cleanest air of the year, when wind patterns are more erratic and rain is frequent.