Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in rapidly urbanizing cities of the Western Balkans, where meteorological variability strongly modulates pollutant dispersion. This study investigates the relationship between particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) and key meteorological parameters in Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital, during 2023 providing the first comprehensive year-long analysis that integrates multivariate and principal component approaches for this region. Using daily data on temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and air pressure, correlation analyses and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied to identify dominant atmospheric controls on particulate concentrations. The findings revealed that higher temperatures and stronger winds reduce PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ levels, while cold and stagnant winter conditions coincide with substantial increases in pollution, largely driven by lignite-based power generation, domestic heating and vehicle emissions. The results validate the critical influence of meteorological dynamics on air quality in Prishtina and underscore the need for targeted emission reduction strategies and adaptive environmental policies aimed at mitigating seasonal air pollution episodes.