Is Chennai Air Quality Safe Today?

Current AQI in Chennai is 45 (Good).

Quick Answer

Based on current AQI levels, air quality in Chennai is Good. Most people can continue normal outdoor activity, but sensitive groups should still be cautious.

45
Chennai air quality
Good
Main pollutant: O3 · Trend: rising
AQI Scale
0 Good 50 100 200 300+
Current: 45 — Good band
What does AQI 45 mean? AQI 45 falls under Good in India. AQI above 200 is unhealthy and above 300 is severe. At this level, breathing discomfort and irritation can increase, especially for sensitive groups. The main pollutant today is O3 (avg 40.0), which can trigger breathing issues, cough, and fatigue, particularly near traffic-heavy areas.
What to do today
  • Prefer lighter activity or indoor workouts
  • Limit time outdoors if AQI is trending upward
  • Mask not required for most
  • Ventilate during cleanest hours
  • Air purifier helpful if AQI rises above 200
Best time to go outside
Go 10:00–10:59
Avoid 03:00–03:59
Who should be careful
  • Children & elderly
  • Asthma / lung conditions
  • Pregnant women
Air quality across Chennai
🌿 Arumbakkam, Chennai - TNPCB
AQI 13
🌿 Kodungaiyur, Chennai - TNPCB
AQI 29
🌿 Royapuram, Chennai - TNPCB
AQI 36
🚨 Manali Village, Chennai - TNPCB
AQI 80
🚨 Manali, Chennai - CPCB
AQI 73
🚨 Perungudi, Chennai - TNPCB
AQI 37
AQI varies by about 67 points across Chennai today, often due to traffic, construction, and local sources.

Chennai AQI Trend

Latest history update: 16 Apr 2026, 2 AM.

7-day avg
43.6
Trend
Rising
Yesterday
38
Today
40
51.8
53.1
55.9
45.4
38.4
34.3
34.6
38.3
40.5
08 Apr
09 Apr
10 Apr
11 Apr
12 Apr
13 Apr
14 Apr
15 Apr
16 Apr

Category split: 3 Satisfactory, 6 Good

Good (≤50) Satisfactory (51–100) Moderate (101–200) Poor (201–300)

Best day: 34.3 (13 Apr) · Worst day: 55.9 (10 Apr)

Learn More

FAQs About Chennai Air Quality

Is AQI 45 safe in Chennai?

Yes, it is generally safe for most people. Sensitive groups should still be cautious if exposed for long periods.

What AQI level is dangerous?

AQI above 300 is considered very poor and harmful for everyone.

Should I wear a mask today in Chennai?

Not required for most people. Keep one handy if you are sensitive or commuting through heavy traffic.

Why can AQI vary a lot across Chennai?

Today’s spread is about 67 AQI points between the cleanest and most polluted areas. Differences usually come from traffic density, construction, and local wind patterns.

Is O3 the main concern today?

Yes. O3 is currently the leading pollutant, which tends to spike near roads and busy junctions. If you feel irritation or coughing outdoors, reduce exposure.