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Bou Adel, nestled within the Fès-Meknès region of Morocco, occupies a geographically significant position at approximately 34.54°N, 4.51°W. The city’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, typical of the Middle Atlas mountains, with an elevation of around 750 meters above sea level. This elevation, while offering scenic views, contributes to a localized bowl-like effect that can trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind. Bou Adel sits on the periphery of the fertile Saïs Plain, a historically important agricultural zone known for its cereal production and fruit orchards. This proximity to agricultural lands introduces potential sources of particulate matter, especially during harvest seasons when burning of crop residues can occur. The city’s urban fabric is relatively compact, exhibiting a gradual urban-rural gradient as one moves outwards. While Fès, a major industrial and cultural hub, lies approximately 25 kilometers to the northeast, Bou Adel itself has a limited industrial presence, primarily focused on small-scale crafts and agricultural processing. The surrounding landscape is dominated by olive groves and scattered woodlands, which can act as both a carbon sink and a source of biomass burning during the cooler months. The absence of major rivers or lakes in the immediate vicinity limits natural air purification processes, further influencing the city’s air quality dynamics. The prevailing winds, generally from the northwest, play a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, but their effectiveness is often diminished by the topography.

Bou Adel’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle heavily influenced by Morocco’s Mediterranean climate. The dry season, spanning from late spring through autumn (roughly April to October), typically sees lower overall pollution levels due to increased wind speeds and higher temperatures promoting atmospheric mixing. However, August and September can witness spikes in particulate matter as farmers engage in post-harvest agricultural practices, including controlled burns of crop residue, a traditional method for land preparation. The cooler, drier months of autumn (October-November) can occasionally experience temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, hindering pollutant dispersion and leading to stagnant air conditions. Winter (December-February) is generally the most challenging period, with frequent fog and reduced wind speeds exacerbating the effects of any local emissions. The combination of cold temperatures and limited ventilation can lead to a build-up of pollutants. Spring (March-April) brings a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and winds increase, but dust storms originating from the Sahara can occasionally impact air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the winter months and be mindful of agricultural burning in late summer. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the spring and early autumn, avoiding peak agricultural burning periods. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can be beneficial during periods of elevated pollution.