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Sidi Yahia El Gharb is situated within the fertile expanse of the Gharb plain, a low-lying alluvial basin in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco. This strategic positioning makes the city a vital hub for the region's intensive agricultural sector, characterized by vast stretches of irrigated cropland and vegetable gardens. The terrain is predominantly flat, which significantly influences local atmospheric dynamics; without mountainous barriers to force air upward, pollutants can sometimes linger near the surface, especially during stagnant weather periods. The urban character of the city is a blend of residential clusters and commercial zones that bleed seamlessly into the surrounding rural landscape, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. Geographically, the city benefits from its proximity to the Atlantic coast, which brings moderating maritime breezes that help disperse airborne particulates. However, the surrounding agricultural belt introduces specific air quality challenges, such as the release of ammonia from fertilizers and particulate matter from seasonal crop residue burning. The elevation is minimal, leaving the area susceptible to the moisture-laden air of the Atlantic, which can lead to morning fogs that trap pollutants in a shallow layer. This interaction between the flat topography, intensive farming practices, and the maritime influence defines the city's unique environmental profile, where the air quality is a direct reflection of the balance between natural coastal ventilation and the anthropogenic emissions from the highly productive Gharb agricultural heartland.

In Sidi Yahia El Gharb, air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm dictated by the Mediterranean climate and Atlantic influence. During the wet winter months, frequent rainfall effectively scrubs the atmosphere of particulate matter, generally leading to the cleanest air of the year. However, occasional temperature inversions during cold snaps can trap humidity and pollutants near the ground, creating a dense haze. As spring arrives, the air remains relatively fresh, though the onset of agricultural preparations may increase local dust. The summer months present the greatest challenge, as the region often experiences the Chergui—a hot, dry wind blowing from the Sahara. This phenomenon transports significant quantities of mineral dust, spiking particulate levels and reducing visibility. Simultaneously, high temperatures can catalyze the formation of ground-level ozone, particularly in the sun-drenched agricultural zones. Autumn marks a transitional period where the return of Atlantic moisture begins to clear the summer dust, although post-harvest burning of crop residues can cause temporary spikes in smoke and carbon monoxide. For sensitive groups, including asthmatics and the elderly, the peak summer heat and the arrival of Saharan dust storms are the most critical periods to limit outdoor exertion. Conversely, late autumn and winter offer the most favorable conditions for outdoor activity. Monitoring wind directions is essential, as the shift from maritime breezes to continental winds directly alters the pollutant load, necessitating a flexible approach to respiratory health management throughout the year.