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Gorlice is nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Low Beskids in the Małopolskie Voivodeship, serving as a gateway to the rugged beauty of the Beskid Niski mountains. The city’s urban character is defined by its integration into a rolling, hilly terrain, where the urban–rural gradient is fluid, blending residential clusters with agricultural patches and dense forests. Situated in a valley-like depression, Gorlice experiences a specific microclimate where the surrounding elevations act as physical barriers to horizontal air movement. This topographic configuration is critical to its air quality profile; during periods of atmospheric stability, pollutants are trapped near the surface, unable to disperse over the ridges. The proximity to the Biała river adds a layer of humidity to the local atmosphere, which can facilitate the formation of aerosols and smog during colder months. While the city lacks a massive industrial belt today, its historical identity as an oil-producing hub remains, though modern pollution stems primarily from dispersed domestic heating sources. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, with forestry and small-scale farming dominating the periphery, creating a contrast between the concentrated emissions of the town center and the pristine air of the highland forests. Consequently, the regional position of Gorlice makes it susceptible to the accumulation of particulate matter, as the geography limits the cleansing effect of strong winds, particularly during the stagnant conditions typical of the Lesser Poland highlands' unique basins.

The air quality narrative in Gorlice is dictated by the rhythmic cycle of domestic heating and temperate meteorological shifts. Winter represents the most critical period, characterized by severe pollution peaks. As temperatures plummet, the widespread reliance on solid fuels—primarily coal and wood—leads to high concentrations of particulate matter. This is exacerbated by frequent temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cold, polluted air in the valley, creating a dense, suffocating smog. During these months, sensitive groups, including asthmatics and the elderly, should strictly limit outdoor exertion. As spring arrives, the air typically clears as heating demands drop and increased wind speeds help flush the valley. This transition marks a period of atmospheric recovery, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities. Summer offers the cleanest air, with high dispersion rates and the cooling influence of the surrounding Beskid forests, although occasional ozone spikes can occur during intense heatwaves. Autumn introduces a secondary risk phase; as the first chills return in October and November, residents restart their furnaces. This period is often plagued by heavy morning fogs that trap emissions close to the ground, creating a damp, hazardous haze. For those with respiratory vulnerabilities, the late autumn and deep winter months are the most hazardous. Favoring the late spring and summer windows ensures the lowest exposure to combustion-related toxins, reflecting a seasonal struggle between traditional heating habits and the region's restrictive topography.