Chennai AQI stays satisfactory ahead of Deepavali as rain clears air

Chennai recorded a satisfactory Air Quality Index (AQI) of 72 on Saturday evening on the eve of Deepavali, as timely rainfall and favourable wind conditions swept through Tamil Nadu's capital.

Data from the city-level AQI dashboard showed pollution levels remained well within the satisfactory category at 6:30 pm, ensuring clean air for residents as festive activities got under way. Seven of the nine monitoring stations in the city were active, recording readings ranging from a low of 54 in Perungudi to a high of 92 in the Velachery residential area.

The clean air readings follow widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu and intermittent coastal showers over Chennai. The Regional Meteorological Centre reported that rainfall occurred at numerous locations state-wide in the 24 hours to 8:30 am on Saturday. Stations at Valasaravakkam, Kathivakkam, Manali New Town and Ennore each recorded up to 5 cm of rain, while several other parts of the city received steady moderate showers.

Combined with steady breeze movement, the precipitation actively dispersed airborne particulate matter ahead of Sunday's main celebrations. Weather officials expect moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning to continue in parts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu on Deepavali day. Temperatures in the city are forecast to remain between 24°C and 31°C.