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Taguig occupies a strategic position within Metro Manila's southeastern quadrant, situated on the coastal plains of Luzon Island with its western boundary tracing the meandering Pasig River and its southern edge bordering Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. This low-lying urban landscape, averaging just 15 meters above sea level, creates a natural basin effect that traps pollutants from the city's dense urban core. The city's geography is characterized by a stark urban-rural gradient, transitioning from the hyper-developed Bonifacio Global City in the north—with its perpetual construction dust—to more traditional communities along the lake's shoreline where informal waste burning occasionally occurs. Taguig's position within the National Capital Region places it directly in the path of prevailing winds that carry industrial emissions from nearby Parañaque and Pasay, while its proximity to Manila Bay influences local humidity levels that can exacerbate particulate matter formation. The city's terrain is predominantly flat with minor undulations, allowing pollutants to accumulate rather than disperse, particularly when combined with the heat island effect generated by extensive concrete surfaces. This geographic configuration makes Taguig particularly vulnerable to air quality degradation, as emissions from its own vehicle-choked roads mix with regional pollution in a topographical bowl with limited natural ventilation pathways.

Taguig's tropical monsoon climate creates distinct seasonal patterns in air quality, with pollution peaking dramatically during the January-March period when the northeast monsoon (amihan) brings cool, dry winds that create frequent temperature inversions over the Metro Manila basin. These atmospheric conditions trap vehicle exhaust, construction dust from Bonifacio Global City's ongoing development, and industrial emissions close to ground level, resulting in hazy conditions that pose particular risks for children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions. The summer months of April and May see slightly improved dispersion as thermal convection increases, though intense heat can accelerate photochemical reactions that generate secondary pollutants. June through September brings the southwest monsoon (habagat), with heavy rainfall that effectively scrubs the atmosphere of particulate matter but introduces humidity that can make remaining pollutants feel more oppressive. October through December represents the most favorable period for outdoor activity, as transitional weather patterns provide better ventilation while avoiding the extreme pollution of early year. Sensitive groups should monitor daily conditions carefully, as sudden changes can occur when typhoons approach or when volcanic eruptions from nearby Taal Volcano alter atmospheric composition. The city's location between two major water bodies creates microclimates where fog can occasionally mix with pollution to create particularly hazardous morning conditions during peak months.