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Çorlu occupies a strategic position in northwestern Turkey's Thrace region, situated within Tekirdağ Province approximately 150 kilometers west of Istanbul. The city lies on the rolling plains of Eastern Thrace at an elevation of approximately 180 meters above sea level, characterized by gently undulating terrain that transitions between the Marmara Region's coastal zones and inland agricultural heartlands. Çorlu's urban character reflects its role as a major industrial and commercial hub, with significant manufacturing sectors including textiles, automotive components, and food processing that contribute to its air quality profile. The city's location places it within the broader industrial belt stretching from Istanbul through Tekirdağ, creating regional pollution transport patterns. While not directly coastal, Çorlu lies approximately 40 kilometers north of the Sea of Marmara, whose moderating influence affects local meteorology. The surrounding landscape features extensive agricultural zones producing sunflowers, wheat, and grapes, creating an urban-rural gradient where industrial emissions interact with agricultural activities. Çorlu's position along major transportation corridors, including the D100 highway and railway connections to Europe, adds mobile pollution sources. The city's geography creates specific air quality challenges through terrain-induced stagnation in the surrounding plains, particularly during atmospheric inversions that trap pollutants from both local industries and regional transport.

Çorlu experiences distinct seasonal air quality patterns shaped by its continental climate with Mediterranean influences. During winter months from December through February, pollution typically peaks due to increased residential heating emissions combining with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground. Cold, stagnant conditions with limited wind dispersal create persistent haze, making these months particularly challenging for respiratory health. Spring brings gradual improvement as March through May sees increasing precipitation and more frequent northerly winds from the Black Sea region that help disperse accumulated pollutants, though occasional dust transport from agricultural activities can cause temporary deteriorations. Summer months from June through August generally offer the best air quality conditions with consistent sea breezes from the Sea of Marmara providing natural ventilation, though occasional heat waves can lead to ozone formation from industrial and vehicular emissions. Autumn sees a transitional period from September through November where decreasing temperatures and changing wind patterns gradually reduce dispersion capacity, with late autumn often showing increasing pollution levels as heating season begins. Sensitive groups including those with respiratory conditions should particularly avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during winter inversion episodes and summer ozone events, while spring and early autumn generally provide more favorable conditions for outdoor activities.