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Puerto Morelos, a coastal town in Quintana Roo, Mexico, occupies a unique geographic position nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the expansive Yucatán Peninsula jungle. Located at 20.8536°N, -86.8753°W, the town’s relatively low elevation – generally under 10 meters above sea level – contributes to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense tropical vegetation, mangrove forests along the coast, and the proximity of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world. Unlike heavily industrialized areas, Puerto Morelos doesn’t have significant local industrial emissions. However, its air quality is influenced by regional factors, including seasonal wildfires in the Yucatán Peninsula and, crucially, the transport of Saharan dust plumes across the Atlantic Ocean. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the town centre is compact, transitioning quickly to undeveloped coastal areas and inland jungle. Agricultural activity, primarily small-scale farming, exists in the surrounding areas, contributing to potential particulate matter from land clearing and seasonal burning. The prevailing trade winds, generally from the east, play a vital role in dispersing pollutants, but can also carry them from other parts of the Caribbean basin. This coastal location makes Puerto Morelos particularly vulnerable to sea breeze circulations, which can trap pollutants near the shore.

Puerto Morelos experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, roughly November to April, sees consistently lower humidity and stronger trade winds, generally resulting in better air quality. However, this period also coincides with increased risk of wildfires in the Yucatán Peninsula, leading to spikes in particulate matter (PM2.5) carried by the winds. February and March are often the clearest months for outdoor activities. The wet season, from May to October, brings increased rainfall and humidity. While rainfall helps to wash away pollutants, the calmer winds and increased atmospheric moisture can create conditions for localized pollutant build-up, particularly near the town centre. September and October, during peak hurricane season, can experience periods of stagnant air and increased humidity, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should be particularly cautious during these months. The arrival of Saharan dust plumes, most common between June and August, can significantly impact air quality, increasing particulate matter levels and causing irritation. Monitoring wind direction and staying indoors during dust events is advisable. Overall, the wet season presents a more complex air quality picture, requiring greater awareness.