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Douar El Mellaliyine is situated within the strategically vital Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region of northern Morocco, acting as a peri-urban settlement that bridges the gap between the expanding metropolitan influence of Tangier and the serene rural landscapes of the Rif foothills. Its geography is defined by an undulating terrain of coastal plains and low-lying hills, positioned near the critical junction where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea at the Strait of Gibraltar. This unique positioning creates a complex atmospheric environment; while the proximity to the coast ensures a consistent flow of maritime breezes that typically scrub the air of pollutants, the surrounding topography can occasionally trap emissions in localized depressions. The urban character of the douar is characterized by low-density residential clusters interspersed with small-scale agricultural plots, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. However, its regional position places it within the broader industrial orbit of Tangier, particularly the influence of the Tanger Med port and the burgeoning automotive industrial belts. These industrial zones introduce a steady stream of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that can drift toward the settlement depending on wind direction. The surrounding landscape, marked by scrubland and olive groves, provides a natural carbon sink, yet the increasing encroachment of paved surfaces and transport infrastructure alters the local microclimate, contributing to minor heat island effects that can exacerbate the concentration of ground-level pollutants during stagnant weather periods.

The air quality narrative of Douar El Mellaliyine is dictated by the rhythmic interplay of Mediterranean meteorological cycles and regional human activity. During the winter months, the region experiences its highest rainfall, which effectively washes airborne particulates from the sky; however, this period also sees a spike in primary pollutants due to the increased use of biomass and wood-burning stoves for domestic heating, often coupled with temperature inversions that trap smoke near the ground. As spring arrives, the air remains relatively fresh, though the season is marked by a rise in biological aerosols and pollen, which can trigger respiratory distress in sensitive groups. Summer brings the most challenging atmospheric conditions, characterized by high solar radiation and the arrival of the Chergui, a hot, dry easterly wind that transports mineral dust from the Sahara Desert, significantly elevating PM10 levels. This period also sees an increase in ground-level ozone due to the photochemical reaction of industrial precursors under intense sunlight. Autumn serves as a transition, where shifting wind patterns and the clearing of agricultural residues through burning can lead to temporary spikes in particulate matter. For those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the peak dust events of late summer and the smoky inversions of mid-winter are the most critical periods to limit outdoor exertion and utilize air filtration strategies to maintain respiratory health.