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Jerez de García Salinas, nestled within the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental range in Zacatecas, Mexico, occupies a geographically significant position. Located at approximately 22.6481° N, 102.9903° W and an elevation of around 2,150 meters (7,050 feet) above sea level, the city experiences a high-altitude, semi-arid climate. The surrounding landscape is dominated by rolling hills, canyons, and scrub vegetation, characteristic of the Zacatecas plateau. This terrain significantly influences local air circulation patterns; the mountains can trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind. Jerez sits on the edge of a gradual urban-rural gradient, transitioning from the concentrated urban core to agricultural lands primarily used for maize and wheat cultivation, and grazing pastures. While not directly adjacent to major rivers, the city draws water from regional aquifers, impacting water quality which, in turn, can influence particulate matter deposition. The region’s historical mining activity, though diminished, has left a legacy of potential soil contamination and residual industrial impacts. Jerez’s regional position, relatively isolated within Zacatecas, means it’s less affected by transboundary pollution compared to cities closer to major industrial belts in central Mexico, but local agricultural practices and vehicle emissions remain key contributors to its air quality profile. The city’s urban character is a blend of colonial architecture and modern development, with a relatively compact footprint, which concentrates emissions within a smaller area.

Jerez de García Salinas experiences a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from October through April, is characterized by lower rainfall and increased sunshine, leading to drier vegetation and a higher risk of wildfires in the surrounding hills. This, coupled with temperature inversions – where cooler, denser air becomes trapped beneath a layer of warmer air – frequently occurs during these months, particularly in November and December, hindering vertical mixing and trapping pollutants near the ground. Vehicle emissions and dust from unpaved roads become more concentrated. The wet season, from May to September, brings increased rainfall, which naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by washing away particulate matter. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased soil erosion and the suspension of dust, temporarily degrading air quality. Fog, common during the cooler mornings of the dry season, further exacerbates the trapping of pollutants. During the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), transitional periods with moderate temperatures and wind patterns, air quality tends to be more variable. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of temperature inversions or wildfire activity. Limiting outdoor exertion during these times and wearing appropriate masks can mitigate potential health impacts. The increased humidity during the wet season can also trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.