Ground-level PM2.5 estimation over urban agglomerations in China with high spatiotemporal resolution based on Himawari-8

High concentrations of particulate matter with diameter of 60 μg/m3 in CCH, BTH and YRD, whereas the level does not greatly change throughout the year in the PRD region. During the daytime, particulate pollution levels are generally high in the morning. [Display omitted] •Himawari-8 AOD products enable improvement of the temporal resolution of PM2.5 estimates to the hourly level.•Estimation accuracy shows significant diurnal, seasonal and spatial variations.•PM2.5 distributions denote severe air pollution in urban and rural areas.