Summer heat and the air quality index

This week in the Kanto region, we're in for a trying week with soaring temperatures. You may hear and read some terms for blistering days. Summer days over 25 degrees are called 夏日 (natsubi) and 真夏日 (manabtsubi) when temperatures hit 30. The Kanto region finished the rainy season on July 20th, according to former Japan Meteorological Agency forecaster Nyomura Yoh. He says we're in for another classification, 酷暑日, moshobi, brutally hot, when the temperatures rise above 40. It looks like Nagoya City will be the first to earn the title.

A mural at Kasukabe Station, Saitama Prefecture, captures the essence of summer breezes

You may have noticed that the weather app on your mobile device indicates the air quality index. As of Monday, July 20th, the air quality is "moderate" on the iOS weather app. The app collects its data from national weather agencies, including the Japan Meteorological Agency.

For hyperlocal air quality measurements, see the World Air Quality Index (WAQI) project Japan visual map. The project is self-funded and aggregates weather station and air quality measurements from worldwide sources.

On the best days, all the laundry goes out on the veranda. I open up the house on even brutally hot nights to circulate the clean air. Good air quality in summer keeps me counting my blessings on the most oppressive hot days.

When does your region experience the best and worst outdoor air quality? Does it affect your daily life?