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Qarshi, situated in Uzbekistan's Qashqadaryo Region in Central Asia, occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of ancient Silk Road routes, with coordinates at 38.8667°N, 65.8000°E. The city lies in the Karshi Steppe, a semi-arid plain at an elevation of approximately 374 meters above sea level, flanked by the Zarafshan Mountains to the north and the Pamir-Alay ranges to the southeast, creating a basin-like topography that significantly influences air quality. This terrain traps pollutants, as surrounding mountains limit wind dispersion, while the absence of major water bodies like rivers or lakes nearby reduces natural cleansing through precipitation or humidity. Qarshi's urban character blends Soviet-era industrial zones with traditional agricultural districts, as it serves as a regional hub for cotton processing, textile manufacturing, and food production, contributing to particulate matter and chemical emissions. The urban–rural gradient features dense central areas with vehicular traffic and heating systems transitioning to peripheral farmlands where agricultural burning and dust from arid soils add to pollution loads. Its location in an inland basin exacerbates temperature inversions, particularly in colder months, trapping pollutants close to the ground. Proximity to the Amu Darya River basin supports irrigation for crops but does not mitigate air quality issues, as the dry climate and limited vegetation fail to filter airborne contaminants effectively.

In Qarshi, air quality fluctuates seasonally due to meteorological factors and human activities, with pollution peaks typically occurring in winter and late autumn. During winter (December to February), cold temperatures lead to frequent temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollutants near the surface, compounded by increased use of coal and wood for heating in residential areas. This period sees elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), making it the worst time for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, who should limit exposure and use masks. Spring (March to May) brings moderate improvement as temperatures rise and winds from the northwest help disperse pollutants, though dust storms from the surrounding steppes can cause sporadic spikes in particulate levels. Summer (June to August) offers the best air quality, with higher temperatures reducing heating emissions and occasional thunderstorms providing natural cleansing through rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits. Autumn (September to November) sees a gradual decline as temperatures drop and agricultural activities, such as crop residue burning, contribute to haze, with October and November being months to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. Throughout the year, low humidity and lack of monsoon systems mean fog is rare, but calm wind conditions can exacerbate pollution buildup, advising residents to monitor local air quality reports and plan activities during midday when dispersion is better.