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Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro, nestled in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, occupies a unique and challenging geographical position. Located at coordinates 19.4000, -102.1333, the city sits within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a region dominated by rugged terrain and volcanic peaks. The town’s elevation, approximately 1,680 meters (5,512 feet) above sea level, significantly influences its climate and air quality. It’s situated in a valley, surrounded by hills and mountains, which can trap pollutants and contribute to temperature inversions. The landscape is primarily rural, characterized by agricultural lands – maize, beans, and fruit trees are common – and patches of pine-oak forest. While not directly adjacent to a major body of water, the city is within the watershed of the Balsas River, and moisture from the Pacific Ocean influences regional weather patterns. There are no large industrial belts immediately surrounding Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro; however, smaller-scale agricultural practices, including the burning of agricultural waste, contribute to localised air pollution. The urban-rural gradient is steep, with the city centre transitioning quickly to agricultural fields and forested slopes. This proximity to agricultural activity, combined with the valley’s topography, creates specific air quality vulnerabilities. The 2024 eruption of the Popocatépetl volcano, while distant, has also contributed to particulate matter in the regional atmosphere.

Air quality in Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro follows a distinct seasonal pattern largely dictated by the region’s wet and dry seasons. The dry season, typically from November to May, sees the poorest air quality. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and agricultural burning is more prevalent as farmers prepare fields for planting. Temperature inversions are common during the cooler mornings of these months, trapping pollutants near the ground. February and March are often the most problematic. The wet season, from June to October, brings significant improvements. Frequent rainfall washes away pollutants, and humidity reduces dust suspension. However, even during the wet season, localised pollution from vehicle emissions and wood-burning stoves persists. August and September, while wetter, can experience periods of stagnant air. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly in the mornings. During the wet season, while conditions are generally better, monitoring local conditions remains important. Fog, common at this elevation, can also exacerbate respiratory issues by trapping pollutants. The prevailing winds, generally from the west, can transport pollutants from distant sources, but the surrounding mountains often limit their dispersion.