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Dulag is situated on the eastern seaboard of Leyte, serving as a critical coastal hub where the fertile plains of the province meet the vast expanse of the Leyte Gulf. Its urban character is defined by a linear development pattern, with the town center hugging the national highway that connects Tacloban to the southern municipalities. The terrain is predominantly low-lying and flat, though it gradually rises into undulating hills towards the interior, creating a natural drainage system that flows toward the coast. This specific geography plays a pivotal role in modulating local air quality. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean ensures a consistent influx of maritime breezes, which effectively flush out stagnant pollutants and maintain a relatively fresh atmosphere within the residential core. However, the surrounding agricultural zones, dominated by rice paddies and coconut groves, introduce a distinct rural-urban gradient. During harvest periods, the practice of biomass burning in these fields can lead to localized spikes in particulate matter, which may linger in the lower atmosphere if wind speeds drop. The lack of heavy industrial belts means that the primary pollutants are mobile sources from vehicular traffic and seasonal agricultural smoke. Because the town sits at a low elevation, it is susceptible to high humidity, which can trap aerosols and enhance the perception of haze during the hottest months, though the overall air quality remains superior to larger metropolitan centers in the region, benefiting from this open coastal exposure.

In Dulag, the air quality narrative is governed by the tropical oscillation between the dry season and the wet season. From December to May, the dry season prevails, characterized by the Amihan or northeast monsoon. During these months, the air is generally clearer due to strong, cool winds blowing from the Pacific, which disperse pollutants efficiently. However, the peak of the dry season in March and April often sees a rise in particulate matter. This is driven by agricultural residue burning and the increased suspension of road dust during periods of low precipitation. Sensitive groups, including children and the elderly, should limit outdoor exertion during midday when solar radiation intensifies ground-level ozone formation. Conversely, the wet season, spanning from June to November, is dominated by the Habagat or southwest monsoon. This period is marked by frequent rainfall and typhoons, which act as a natural scrubbing mechanism, washing pollutants from the atmosphere and keeping the air exceptionally crisp. While humidity levels soar, the risk of smog is minimal. However, the onset of the rainy season can sometimes trigger temperature inversions in the early morning, trapping moisture and smoke near the surface. To optimize health, residents should favor the cooler, windier months of January and February for outdoor activities. During the height of the burning season in April, wearing masks near agricultural zones is strongly advised to mitigate the inhalation of fine ash and hazardous smoke particles.