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Situated in the southwestern metropolitan area of Madrid, Móstoles functions as a pivotal urban node within the Henares-Guadarrama corridor. Nestled at an elevation of approximately 660 meters above sea level, the city occupies a landscape defined by the rolling plateaus of the Meseta Central. This high-altitude, continental setting is instrumental in shaping its local microclimate and atmospheric dispersion patterns. Geographically, Móstoles sits within the drainage basin of the Guadarrama River, which flows to its west, providing a slight topographical depression that can occasionally trap stagnant air masses during periods of high atmospheric pressure. The city’s urban character is defined by a dense residential core surrounded by industrial estates and logistical hubs that connect it to the A-5 motorway, a critical artery feeding the Spanish capital. To the north and west, the terrain transitions toward the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, while the eastern reaches merge into the sprawling urban continuum of the Madrid agglomeration. This proximity to the capital’s central heat island, combined with the surrounding arid, agricultural plains, influences the city’s air quality significantly. The lack of major natural barriers to the south allows for the penetration of dry, dusty winds, while the prevailing winds from the northwest often bring cleaner air from the mountains. However, during calm, anticyclonic conditions, the city frequently experiences a localized accumulation of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, exacerbated by the high volume of commuter traffic navigating the dense network of regional roads that lace through this vital suburban landscape.

Móstoles experiences a distinct Mediterranean-continental climate, which dictates the rhythmic fluctuation of air quality throughout the year. Winter is the most challenging period for sensitive populations, as frequent thermal inversions trap cold air close to the ground, preventing the vertical dispersion of vehicular emissions and residential heating pollutants. During December and January, stagnant high-pressure systems lock in nitrogen dioxide, making these months the least favorable for outdoor exercise for those with respiratory conditions. As spring arrives, rising temperatures and increased wind turbulence help clear the stagnant layers, though the season brings a secondary challenge: high pollen counts from the surrounding Mediterranean flora, which can irritate sensitive airways. Summer in Móstoles is characterized by intense heat and low humidity; while the heat promotes the vertical mixing of air, the high solar radiation triggers complex photochemical reactions. This process leads to the formation of ground-level ozone, typically peaking in the mid-afternoon hours of July and August. During these months, it is advisable to favor early morning or late evening for outdoor activity to avoid the peak ozone concentration. Autumn acts as a transitional period, where the return of cooler nights and occasional rain showers can effectively scrub particulate matter from the atmosphere, offering some of the cleanest air of the year. For sensitive groups, the strategy remains consistent: monitor regional forecasts during winter inversions and summer heatwaves, ensuring indoor ventilation is minimized during peak traffic hours to reduce exposure to urban pollutants and localized dust.