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Khabarovsk occupies a strategic position in Russia's Far East, situated at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers approximately 30 kilometers from the Chinese border. This riverine location creates a distinctive urban geography where water bodies significantly influence local climate patterns and air quality dynamics. The city spreads across rolling hills with elevations ranging from 30 to 200 meters above sea level, creating subtle microclimatic variations across different neighborhoods. Khabarovsk serves as the administrative center of Khabarovsk Krai and functions as a major transportation hub connecting Russia with Northeast Asia, resulting in substantial industrial and commercial activity concentrated along its riverfront and railway corridors. The surrounding landscape transitions from urban development to mixed forests and agricultural zones, creating an urban-rural gradient that affects pollution dispersion. To the west lie the Sikhote-Alin mountain ranges, while to the east stretches the vast Amur River valley. This topography can trap pollutants during certain meteorological conditions, particularly when stable air masses settle over the river basin. The city's industrial belt, concentrated in southern districts, combines with vehicle emissions from major transportation routes to create typical urban pollution sources. Proximity to China means transboundary pollution occasionally affects air quality, especially during periods of westerly winds carrying industrial emissions across the border. The rivers themselves can moderate temperatures but also contribute to humidity that affects particulate matter behavior.

Khabarovsk experiences dramatic seasonal variations that profoundly influence air quality patterns throughout the year. Winter months from December through February present the most challenging conditions, with temperature inversions frequently trapping pollutants close to the ground as cold, dense air settles in the river valley. These stagnant conditions, combined with increased heating emissions from residential and industrial sources, create persistent pollution episodes that can last for days. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these months, particularly on calm, cold days when visible haze develops. Spring brings gradual improvement as increasing solar radiation breaks up inversion layers and more frequent winds disperse pollutants, though March and April can still experience poor air quality during transitional weather patterns. Summer offers the cleanest air from June through August, with prevailing southeasterly winds from the Sea of Japan bringing cleaner marine air, while convective mixing helps ventilate the urban basin. This is the optimal season for outdoor activities, though occasional wildfire smoke from surrounding forests can create short-term deteriorations. Autumn sees a gradual return to more stagnant conditions as temperatures drop and atmospheric stability increases, with October and November marking a transition toward winter pollution patterns. Throughout the year, fog formation along the river valleys can temporarily worsen pollution visibility and concentration, particularly during morning hours in transitional seasons.