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Oued Jdida, nestled within the Fès-Meknès region of Morocco, presents a compelling case study in urban geography and its influence on air quality. Located at approximately 33.93°N, 5.37°W, the city sits on the southern edge of Fès, a historically significant and densely populated urban centre. Its coordinates place it within a gently sloping terrain, part of the Middle Atlas foothills, with an elevation of roughly 480 meters above sea level. This elevation, while not extreme, contributes to localized temperature inversions, particularly during cooler months, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The city’s name, ‘Oued Jdida,’ translates to ‘New River,’ referencing the Oued Fez river that flows nearby, providing a limited moderating effect on the local climate. The surrounding landscape is a mix of agricultural land – primarily olive groves and cereal crops – and increasingly, peri-urban development. This agricultural activity, while vital to the regional economy, can contribute to particulate matter pollution, especially during harvest seasons when burning of agricultural waste is sometimes practiced. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; Oued Jdida is clearly a satellite town to Fès, experiencing the spillover of industrial activity and vehicular traffic from the larger city. While not a major industrial hub itself, it serves as a residential area for workers commuting to Fès, increasing traffic volume. The proximity to Fès’ industrial belt, located to the north, means Oued Jdida is susceptible to the advection of pollutants from that area, particularly during periods of low wind speed. The valley setting, constrained by the surrounding hills, further limits air circulation and exacerbates pollution accumulation.

Oued Jdida’s air quality exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by Morocco’s Mediterranean climate. The dry season, spanning roughly from April to October, generally sees lower overall pollution levels due to increased wind speeds and higher temperatures which promote atmospheric mixing. However, dust storms, common in this region, can significantly degrade air quality during the summer months (June-August), introducing high concentrations of particulate matter. These storms originate from the Sahara Desert and are exacerbated by dry, hot winds. The wet season, from November to March, brings cooler temperatures and increased humidity. While rainfall can help to cleanse the atmosphere, temperature inversions are more frequent during these months, particularly in November and December, trapping pollutants near the ground and leading to periods of stagnant air. Fog, though infrequent, can also worsen conditions by reducing visibility and hindering pollutant dispersion. The months of January and February often experience the poorest air quality due to a combination of cooler temperatures, temperature inversions, and reduced wind speeds. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activity during these periods, especially during early morning hours when inversions are strongest. During the summer, while overall particulate matter may be lower, the risk of dust storms necessitates monitoring local weather forecasts and taking precautions when visibility is reduced. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation and air filtration is crucial throughout the year, but particularly during periods of elevated pollution.