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Zamość, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southeastern Poland’s Lubelskie Voivodeship, occupies a unique geographical position on the High Lublin-Zamość Plateau. The city’s terrain is gently undulating, typical of glacial landforms, with an average elevation around 230 meters above sea level. This plateau setting, while providing good drainage, can also contribute to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants during stable atmospheric conditions. The Łabuńka River flows nearby, but its influence on direct pollutant dispersion is limited due to the city’s inland location. Surrounding Zamość is a predominantly agricultural landscape, characterized by fertile loess soils supporting extensive cereal farming. To the north and east, this transitions into mixed forests, while to the west lies a more densely populated region with some light industrial activity. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with a noticeable increase in agricultural emissions – ammonia and particulate matter from farming – as one moves away from the city centre. The prevailing winds are westerly, meaning pollutants generated locally or transported from western Poland can impact Zamość. The city’s Renaissance urban plan, while aesthetically pleasing, features relatively narrow streets which can hinder air circulation and exacerbate localised pollution hotspots.

Zamość experiences a continental climate, resulting in distinct seasonal air quality patterns. Winter (December-February) typically sees the poorest air quality, driven by increased residential heating using coal and wood, coupled with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. Calm, cold conditions exacerbate this, making these months particularly challenging for respiratory health. Spring (March-May) brings gradual improvement as temperatures rise and heating demand decreases, though agricultural activities begin to contribute to particulate matter levels. Summer (June-August) generally offers the cleanest air, aided by prevailing winds and convective mixing, dispersing pollutants effectively. However, heatwaves can sometimes lead to increased ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) is a transitional period, with a resurgence of heating-related pollution as temperatures fall. October and November often experience foggy conditions, further trapping pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during winter and periods of fog. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; westerly winds may bring pollutants from more industrialised regions. Avoiding peak heating hours in the early morning and evening during winter is also advisable.