Effects of urban air pollution on the fair-weather electric field in the Tel-Aviv, Israel metropolitan area

The atmospheric electric field in fair-weather conditions, typically quantified by the Potential Gradient (PG, which is the inverse of the vertical component of the electric field), is a fundamental element of the global electric circuit. It is sensitive to multiple scales of influence, including global atmospheric dynamics, local meteorological conditions (e.g., dust, fog, clouds), and anthropogenic factors such as air pollution. In this study, we analyze PG measurements from a newly deployed electric field mill installed in the metropolitan area of Tel-Aviv area, the urban part of central Israel, which has been operational since August 2024. This instrument is part of a broader observational network that includes nearby meteorological and air quality monitoring stations, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the factors influencing PG variability. Focusing on fair-weather conditions, we investigate both diurnal, weekly, and seasonal patterns of PG and their relation to pollutant concentrations. Our findings reveal a distinct temporal correlation between the PG and NOₓ levels during the morning and evening rush hours, indicating rapid atmospheric responses to traffic-related emissions. In contrast, elevated PM2.5 concentrations are associated with a delayed PG response, likely due to their longer atmospheric residence time and different microphysical interactions. Furthermore, a pronounced ‘weekend effect’ is observed, with reduced pollution and correspondingly altered PG values on weekends compared with weekdays, highlighting the measurable impact of human activity on atmospheric electricity. These results enhance our understanding of the interplay between urban air pollution and the local electric field, and emphasize the importance of integrating air quality data into atmospheric electricity studies, particularly in densely populated regions where anthropogenic influences are pronounced, with implications for public health. • Fair-weather Potential Gradient (PG) measurements were conducted in urban areas in Israel for the first time. • Diurnal and weekly patterns of PG were analyzed alongside NOₓ and PM₂.₅. • PG showed strong correlation with NOₓ, especially during morning and evening peaks. • PM₂.₅ exhibited a lagged and weaker relationship with PG. • Anthropogenic influences, including the weekend effect, shape local atmospheric electricity.