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Davie, Florida, nestled in Broward County, occupies a unique position within South Florida’s subtropical landscape. Its coordinates (26.0789, -80.2870) place it inland, approximately 20 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale and 30 miles north of Miami, benefiting from a relatively protected location compared to coastal cities directly exposed to oceanic influences. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Everglades region, with elevations rarely exceeding 15 feet above sea level. This low elevation contributes to a tendency for stagnant air conditions, particularly during periods of high pressure. Davie’s urban character is a blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and pockets of agricultural land, reflecting its historical roots as a farming community. The surrounding landscape transitions from urban development to the fringes of the Everglades, a vast wetland ecosystem. To the west lies the Everglades, acting as a significant natural filter but also a potential source of biomass burning during controlled burns. To the east, the urban sprawl of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood creates an urban–rural gradient, with increasing density and associated pollution sources. The proximity to major roadways like I-95 and the Sawgrass Expressway introduces vehicular emissions as a key factor. The lack of significant topographic barriers means pollutants can readily spread across the region, and the warm, humid climate can trap pollutants near the surface, especially during stable atmospheric conditions. Agricultural activity, while diminished, still contributes localized emissions, and the overall regional air quality is influenced by industrial activity concentrated further east along the coast.

Davie’s subtropical climate dictates a distinct seasonal pattern in air quality. The wet season, typically from May through October, brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms that naturally cleanse the atmosphere, dispersing accumulated pollutants. However, these storms can also be accompanied by lightning strikes, which can trigger wildfires in the surrounding Everglades, releasing particulate matter and impacting air quality. The dry season, from November through April, presents a greater challenge. Cooler temperatures during these months often lead to temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air (and pollutants) near the ground. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the relatively flat terrain, preventing vertical mixing. November and December often experience fog, further reducing visibility and concentrating pollutants. January and February are generally the most challenging months for air quality, with stable atmospheric conditions and reduced rainfall. March sees a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and the onset of the wet season approaches. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit prolonged outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly on days with stagnant air. During the wet season, while rainfall offers some relief, be mindful of potential wildfire smoke and pollen levels, which can also impact respiratory health. The combination of warm temperatures, humidity, and occasional stagnant air masses creates a complex interplay of factors influencing air quality throughout the year, demanding vigilance and proactive health measures.