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My Drarga, nestled within Morocco’s Souss-Massa region at coordinates 30.3800, -9.4800, presents a fascinating case study in urban geography and air quality. The city sits approximately 45km inland from the Atlantic coast, benefiting from a moderating maritime influence, yet shielded from direct coastal winds by intervening hills. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently undulating, characteristic of the Souss plain, a historically fertile agricultural zone. My Drarga’s urban character is defined by a blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern development, reflecting its growth as a regional commercial hub. Surrounding the city is a landscape dominated by argan forests, olive groves, and increasingly, intensive agriculture focused on vegetable and fruit production. This agricultural activity, while economically vital, contributes to potential air quality concerns through dust emissions and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural land immediately bordering the city limits. The proximity to the Atlantic, while providing some dispersion, can also lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants during calm weather conditions. Industrial activity is limited within My Drarga itself, but transport corridors connecting it to larger cities like Agadir contribute to vehicular emissions. The city’s elevation, around 100m above sea level, further influences local meteorological patterns and pollutant dispersal.

Air quality in My Drarga follows a distinct seasonal pattern, heavily influenced by the region’s Mediterranean climate. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual improvement in air quality as rainfall increases, washing away accumulated dust from the dry winter months. However, agricultural activity intensifies, potentially increasing particulate matter from field preparation and fertilizer application. Summer (June-August) is typically the period of best air quality, characterized by consistent sea breezes that promote dispersion, and minimal rainfall. However, high temperatures can exacerbate ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) marks a transition, with decreasing temperatures and the return of dust storms originating from the Sahara, carried by southerly winds. This period often sees a noticeable decline in air quality. Winter (December-February) is generally the most challenging time for air quality. Reduced rainfall means pollutants accumulate, and temperature inversions are more frequent, trapping emissions close to the ground. Sensitive individuals, including those with respiratory conditions and the elderly, should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these months. The months of July and August generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor pursuits. Fog, though infrequent, can also contribute to pollutant concentration during winter mornings.