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Wādī Ḩalfā’, situated in northern Sudan at coordinates 21.8000, 31.3500, occupies a critical position along the Nile River. The city’s landscape is dominated by the arid, Nubian Desert, characterised by rocky plateaus, sandy plains, and the life-giving ribbon of the Nile. Elevation is relatively low, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion. Historically, Wādī Ḩalfā’ was relocated in the 1960s following the construction of the Aswan High Dam, creating a ‘new’ town. This relocation impacted local ecosystems and settlement patterns. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, transitioning rapidly from the urban centre to rural, nomadic pastoral lands. While not a major industrial hub, the city serves as a regional trade centre, with associated vehicle traffic and small-scale industrial activity. Agricultural zones are present along the Nile, utilising irrigation for crop production, potentially contributing to particulate matter from dust and agricultural practices. The urban-rural gradient is sharp, with limited green spaces within the city itself. The Nile acts as both a vital resource and a potential pathway for pollutant transport, influencing local air circulation patterns and humidity levels, which can affect pollutant behaviour. The prevailing winds, often blowing from the north and east, can carry dust from the surrounding desert into the city, exacerbating air quality concerns.

Wādī Ḩalfā’ experiences a harsh desert climate with a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, spanning roughly November to June, is characterised by intense heat and frequent dust storms. These ‘haboobs’ dramatically increase particulate matter concentrations, particularly PM10, making outdoor activity challenging. January to March are typically the dustiest months. The lack of rainfall during this period means pollutants accumulate, with limited natural cleansing. The wet season, from July to October, brings relief from the heat and some improvement in air quality due to rainfall scavenging pollutants. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. August and September, during the peak of the wet season, generally offer the best air quality, though localised flooding can disrupt transportation and potentially release pollutants from disturbed sediments. Temperature inversions, common during cooler nights, can trap pollutants near the ground, worsening conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and monitor conditions closely. The seasonal Nile floods can also impact local air quality through increased humidity and potential mould growth.