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Skegness, a quintessential British seaside resort town in Lincolnshire, occupies a remarkably flat coastal plain. Its geography is dominated by low-lying land, barely rising above sea level, formed by glacial deposits and subsequent coastal processes. Situated on the North Sea coast, the town’s immediate environment is characterised by sandy beaches, salt marshes, and agricultural land stretching inland. The surrounding Lincolnshire countryside is largely arable, with extensive farming of crops like wheat, barley, and root vegetables. This agricultural activity contributes to particulate matter in the air, particularly during harvest seasons. Skegness itself is a relatively compact urban area, experiencing a significant influx of tourists during peak seasons, which impacts local traffic and, consequently, air quality. The prevailing wind direction is generally from the west-northwest, bringing maritime air but also potentially carrying pollutants from industrial areas further inland. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; moving just a few kilometres inland quickly transitions to open farmland. The proximity to the North Sea provides some degree of dispersion for pollutants, but also introduces sea salt aerosols, which can affect respiratory health. The town’s linear development along the coast further influences wind patterns and pollutant distribution, creating localised variations in air quality.

Skegness experiences a distinct seasonal air quality pattern. Winter months (November to February) often see poorer air quality due to temperature inversions – cold, stable air trapping pollutants near ground level, exacerbated by increased use of solid fuel heating. Calm conditions and fog, common during this period, further limit dispersion. Spring (March to May) brings improvement as winds pick up and temperatures rise, diluting pollutants. However, agricultural activities begin to increase, potentially raising particulate matter levels. Summer (June to August), despite the tourist influx and increased traffic, generally boasts the best air quality. Prevailing southwesterly winds bring cleaner air from the Atlantic, and higher temperatures promote pollutant dispersion. Autumn (September to October) sees a decline as heating demand increases again, and agricultural practices like harvesting contribute to dust and particulate matter. Sensitive individuals, such as those with asthma or heart conditions, should be particularly cautious during winter and autumn. Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity on still, cold days is advisable. Monitoring local conditions and limiting exposure during peak agricultural periods is also recommended. The coastal breezes offer some respite, but localised pollution hotspots can still occur near busy roads.