Chennai Braces for a Sunny Thursday with Air Quality Concerns
Chennai residents will wake up to a classic mid-January morning on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The day promises comfortable early hours before warming up significantly. Forecasters predict a bright and dry pattern with no rain in sight. This weather setup offers both opportunities and challenges for people planning their daily routines.
Detailed Weather Forecast for January 15
The city's temperature will climb to approximately 28.7 degrees Celsius during the afternoon. Nighttime will remain mild with lows around 22.1 degrees Celsius. These figures give an average temperature of about 24.9 degrees Celsius for the day.
Humidity levels will stay relatively high at around 69 percent. This moisture in the air might create a slightly sticky feel even though the temperature itself isn't exceptionally hot for Chennai. Moderate winds reaching speeds up to 16.9 kilometers per hour should provide some relief during the warmer afternoon hours.
Visibility looks excellent at 10 kilometers across the region. The complete absence of rain - with zero percent precipitation chance and zero millimeters expected - makes this an ideal day for commuters and outdoor errands. Sunrise will occur at 6:35 AM while sunset comes at 6:02 PM.
The daily rhythm will follow Chennai's typical pattern. Mornings will feel gentler and more pleasant before transitioning into brighter, warmer conditions from late morning through mid-afternoon. Temperatures should ease slightly after sunset, offering some comfort.
Significant Air Quality Issues Persist
While the weather cooperates, air pollution presents a serious concern. Chennai recorded poor air quality on Wednesday, January 14, and this condition may continue into Thursday. The AQI (India) reached 231 yesterday, firmly placing it in the "Poor" category.
Particulate pollution drove these unhealthy readings. PM2.5 levels measured 149 while PM10 reached 181. Carbon Monoxide registered at 316. These pollutants can cause various symptoms including throat irritation, watery eyes, headaches, or persistent coughing.
Vulnerable groups face particular risks. Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions should exercise extra caution. Even healthy adults might experience discomfort during prolonged outdoor exposure or intense physical activity.
Current weather conditions won't help clear the air significantly. The absence of rain means no natural "washout" effect for pollutants. Sunny, calm-to-moderate conditions allow dust and fine particles to linger, especially near busy corridors. While some wind might offer local relief, overall air quality improvement appears limited unless dispersion strengthens later.
Practical Recommendations for Residents
Treat this as a "sunny but not squeaky-clean air" day. Consider these practical suggestions:
- Wear sunglasses and light cotton clothing for afternoon comfort
- Carry water to stay hydrated given the humidity
- Choose early morning hours for outdoor exercise
- Select open spaces away from main roads when possible
- Consider wearing a well-fitting mask in traffic-heavy zones
- Use sun visors and eye protection while driving due to glare
For sensitive individuals, a mask might prove genuinely helpful. Those planning morning walks should pick quieter, less traffic-heavy routes.
Weekly Outlook and Broader Patterns
Chennai's weather shows remarkable consistency for the coming week. Sunny days are expected right through January 21 with no rain indicated. Maximum temperatures will hover between 28.2 and 28.9 degrees Celsius.
Nighttime lows will gradually dip from 22.1 degrees Celsius to a cooler 19.6 degrees Celsius by Monday, January 19. This particular night might offer the best conditions for those who enjoy slightly breezier, more comfortable sleep.
Winds will pick up slightly on January 16 and 17, reaching maximum speeds around 19.8 kilometers per hour. This increased airflow could make daytime heat feel less heavy. For outdoor plans like beach visits, long walks, or sports, Sunday and Monday (January 18 and 19) appear particularly comfortable due to slightly lower humidity around the low 60s and marginally cooler evenings.
Yesterday's poor air quality reading stands out against the prior week's mostly moderate AQI levels. This suggests a recent pollution spike. Residents should remain more cautious than usual even on these bright, "good-looking" weather days.
Weather data referenced in this article comes from AQI.in.
