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Mbour sits as a vibrant, bustling coastal hub along Senegal’s Petite Côte, positioned within the Thiès region at a strategic junction between the Atlantic Ocean and the expanding interior hinterlands. The city’s geography is defined by its low-lying coastal topography, where the land meets the rhythmic tides of the Atlantic, creating a unique maritime-urban interface. This proximity to the sea introduces a constant influx of saline aerosols, which mingle with the local atmosphere, influencing the chemical composition of the air. As a major center for artisanal fishing and a gateway to the tourist resorts of Saly, Mbour experiences a complex urban-rural gradient. The dense urban core, characterized by rapid population growth and concentrated commercial activity, creates pockets of localized emissions from vehicular traffic and small-scale industrial processes. Surrounding the city are vast agricultural zones and semi-arid landscapes that transition into the more developed coastal strip. This positioning makes the city particularly susceptible to aeolian processes; the surrounding terrain offers little topographic relief to act as a barrier against wind-borne particulates. Consequently, the movement of air is heavily dictated by the interplay between sea breezes and continental winds. The concentration of human activity, combined with the lack of significant vertical relief, means that pollutants can linger within the coastal boundary layer, especially during periods of low wind speed, blending maritime moisture with terrestrial dust and combustion byproducts. This intricate environmental dynamic requires constant monitoring to ensure public health safety across the entire coastal metropolitan area and its neighboring semi-arid outlying districts.

Mbour’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm dictated by the Sahelian climate. The most challenging period occurs during the dry season, spanning from November to May. During these months, the Harmattan, a dry, dust-laden wind blowing from the Sahara, dominates the atmosphere. This wind carries massive quantities of fine mineral dust, significantly elevating particulate matter levels and reducing visibility. During this time, residents should minimize strenuous outdoor activities, particularly in the late afternoon when dust concentrations often peak. Conversely, the wet season, occurring roughly from July to October, brings much-needed relief. The arrival of the monsoon rains helps to "wash" the atmosphere, effectively scrubbing airborne particulates and dust from the air through wet deposition. This period generally offers the cleanest air, making it the most favorable time for outdoor exercise and ventilation. However, the high humidity of the monsoon can occasionally trap localized pollutants near the ground, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods. Between these extremes, transitional months may see fluctuating conditions as winds shift. For sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, or those with respiratory conditions like asthma, the dry season requires heightened vigilance. It is advisable to keep windows closed during heavy dust events and use air filtration where possible. Monitoring local weather patterns is essential, as sudden shifts in wind direction can rapidly alter the air quality from maritime-fresh to dust-heavy, necessitating immediate adjustments to daily outdoor routines and protective measures. Always consult medical professionals regarding specific personal respiratory health strategies and necessary preventative environmental precautions.