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Khamir, nestled within the ‘Amrān Governorate of Yemen, occupies a geographically significant position in the rugged highlands. Located at approximately 15.9889° N, 43.9589° E, the city’s elevation, though not exceptionally high, contributes to its unique microclimate and air quality dynamics. The surrounding landscape is dominated by steep, terraced hillsides, a testament to centuries of agricultural adaptation in this challenging terrain. These slopes are primarily utilized for cultivating grains and qat, a stimulant crop prevalent in Yemen, which can influence local air quality through agricultural practices and burning. Khamir sits within a transitional zone between the drier, more arid lowlands to the east and the higher, more fertile mountain regions to the west. This creates a complex urban–rural gradient, with agricultural activities impacting air quality in the immediate vicinity and potentially influencing broader regional patterns. The city’s proximity to the Jabal Buraq mountain range to the north creates a rain shadow effect, reducing precipitation and potentially exacerbating dust events. While Khamir lacks direct access to major bodies of water, seasonal streams and wadis carve through the landscape, influencing local humidity and potentially affecting pollutant dispersion. Industrial activity is limited, primarily consisting of small-scale workshops and agricultural processing, but the prevalence of traditional cooking methods using wood or charcoal contributes to localized particulate matter pollution. The topography, combined with prevailing wind patterns, often leads to stagnant air conditions, particularly during certain times of the year, hindering pollutant dispersal.

Khamir’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by Yemen’s climate and regional weather patterns. The dry season, typically spanning from March to June, is characterized by intense solar radiation, low humidity, and frequent dust storms originating from the Arabian Peninsula’s deserts. These events significantly elevate particulate matter concentrations, impacting respiratory health. Temperature inversions, common during this period, trap pollutants near the ground, further worsening air quality. The months of April and May often see the highest levels of dust and associated respiratory irritation. Conversely, the monsoon season, from July to September, brings increased rainfall and humidity, which helps to cleanse the atmosphere and reduce particulate pollution. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased mold and fungal spores, affecting individuals with allergies. The transitional periods of October-November and February-March are generally characterized by more stable weather conditions, with moderate temperatures and less frequent dust events, offering relatively better air quality. During these months, outdoor activities are generally more favorable. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor exposure and utilizing respiratory protection when necessary. The burning of agricultural waste after harvest, a common practice in the region, can also contribute to localized air pollution spikes, particularly in late autumn. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can provide respite during periods of elevated outdoor pollution.