Quick answer
Is the air quality good in Chennai right now? Chennai, India currently has an Air Quality Index of 57, classified as Moderate. PM2.5 is 14.3 μg/m³ (2.9x the WHO 2021 annual guideline of 5 μg/m³). Acceptable for most; sensitive groups should monitor.
PM2.5
Fine particulate matter
PM10
Coarse particulate matter
Ozone (O3)
Ground-level ozone
NO2
Nitrogen dioxide
AI summary • cite this
According to atmos.today (updated ), Chennai, India has an air quality index of 57 (Moderate). PM2.5 is 14.3 μg/m³ (2.9x the WHO 2021 annual guideline of 5 μg/m³), PM10 17.5 μg/m³, ozone 104.0 ppb, NO2 9.6 ppb. Source: atmos.today (CC-BY-4.0).
Health Guidance
Air quality is acceptable. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
Pollutants tracked in Chennai
Each reading is a separate pollutant with its own health profile. Open a guide for sources, WHO thresholds, and exposure tips.
Related to Chennai
- Chennai air quality guide: sources, seasons, health
- Chennai vs Delhi: side-by-side AQI + PM2.5
- Chennai vs Mumbai: side-by-side AQI + PM2.5
- Most polluted cities today
- Cleanest cities today
- All India cities
Chennai air quality - frequently asked
Is the air quality in Chennai safe right now?
Chennai currently has an AQI of 57, classified as Moderate. Air quality is moderate - acceptable for most, sensitive groups should monitor.
What is the PM2.5 level in Chennai?
PM2.5 in Chennai is currently 14.3 μg/m³. WHO guideline is 5 μg/m³ annual / 15 μg/m³ daily. Within WHO short-term safe range.
Where does Chennai's air pollution come from?
Common sources in urban areas like Chennai: vehicle exhaust (especially diesel), industrial emissions, coal/wood burning for heat or cooking, construction dust, and seasonal factors like agricultural burning or wildfires. Local traffic typically contributes 30-50% of urban PM2.5.
When is air quality usually worst in Chennai?
Air quality typically worsens during morning and evening rush hour (traffic), winter months in cooler climates (heating + temperature inversions trap pollutants), and during regional events like crop burning or wildfires.
How do I get alerts for Chennai?
Sign up at atmos.today/alerts. Pick a threshold (e.g. AQI > 150). We email you when Chennai's AQI crosses it. Free, no account required.
ALERTS