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Kościan sits nestled within the fertile lowlands of the Greater Poland Voivodeship, serving as a significant urban node in the regional landscape of Wielkopolskie. The city's topography is characterized by a gently undulating plain, typical of the transitional zone between the Greater Poland Lakeland and the central Polish lowlands. This relatively flat terrain plays a decisive role in the local microclimate and atmospheric dispersion patterns. Situated near the Obra river basin, the area benefits from a degree of hydrological regulation, though the lack of significant vertical relief means that air masses often move sluggishly across the landscape. The urban character of Kościan is defined by a concentrated historical core surrounded by a sprawling urban-rural gradient. To the immediate periphery, the landscape transitions rapidly into intensive agricultural zones, which contribute organic aerosols and nitrogen compounds to the local atmosphere. While the city lacks the heavy industrial belts seen in Upper Silesia, its air quality is primarily influenced by the interplay between domestic heating systems in residential districts and the surrounding agrarian activities. Because the elevation remains low and the surrounding terrain lacks natural barriers like mountains, the city is susceptible to stagnant air conditions, particularly when regional meteorological patterns favor horizontal stability over vertical mixing. This geographical openness allows for excellent ventilation during windy periods but facilitates the accumulation of pollutants during calm, stable weather events common in the Polish plains. Consequently, the local atmosphere is highly sensitive to both human activity and seasonal shifts in weather patterns within this region.

The atmospheric cycle in Kościan follows a distinct seasonal rhythm dictated by the temperate continental climate of central Poland. During the winter months, particularly from November to February, air quality typically faces its greatest challenges. This period is characterized by frequent temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps colder, pollutant-laden air near the ground, combined with increased emissions from domestic solid-fuel heating. Foggy mornings during these months can further exacerbate the concentration of particulate matter, making outdoor exercise less advisable for children and the elderly. As spring arrives in March and April, the atmosphere often clears due to increased wind speeds and the onset of convective mixing, though agricultural activities may introduce seasonal dust. Summer offers the most favorable conditions for outdoor activities, with high solar radiation and thermal turbulence promoting efficient pollutant dispersion, although occasional heatwaves can trigger secondary ozone formation. Autumn, specifically October and November, represents a transitional phase where increasing humidity and decreasing sunlight lead to more frequent stagnant air events. For residents, the most prudent strategy is to monitor local conditions during the late autumn and winter peaks. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, should prioritize indoor activities during cold, windless nights when inversion layers are most potent. Conversely, the late spring and summer months provide the cleanest air for prolonged physical exertion. By understanding these meteorological shifts, the community can better navigate the seasonal fluctuations in the local air environment effectively and safely.