Chennai woke up to a damp and overcast morning on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with the city bracing for a day of relentless heavy rainfall. The weather has brought a significant cooldown, offering residents a break from the typical warmth.
A Detailed Look at Today's Wet Forecast
The India Meteorological Department has forecast a 98% chance of precipitation for the city today. An estimated 53.03 mm of total rainfall is expected to drench Chennai throughout the day. Temperatures will remain cool, peaking at 27°C in the afternoon before dipping to a mild 24.2°C by night.
The day will stay cloudy and exceptionally humid, with an average humidity level of 86%. Winds are predicted to gust up to 27.4 km/h, adding a brisk edge to the wet conditions. While a cool breeze is expected post-sunset, the high humidity may make the air feel heavy and stuffy for many.
Clean Air: A Silver Lining in the Clouds
In a positive development, the heavy rains follow a day of remarkably clean air. On Tuesday, December 2, Chennai recorded an AQI-IN of 22, placing it firmly in the 'good' category. This marked one of the cleanest days the city has seen this month.
Detailed pollution metrics showed a PM2.5 level of 13 and a PM10 level of 19, both well within safe limits. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels were recorded at 331, indicating minimal vehicular pollution. Clear skies and light winds likely contributed to this improvement. Today's heavy showers are projected to further wash away pollutants, potentially sustaining this rare spell of fresh air, offering relief to those with respiratory concerns.
Resident Advisory and Outlook
With heavy rain anticipated, authorities advise residents to stay indoors as much as possible. For essential travel, waterproof gear is a must. Commuters should plan for extra travel time due to potential waterlogging and avoid traffic-heavy zones during peak hours. Carrying a change of clothes is advisable for those heading to work.
While the air quality is good, keeping windows slightly open for ventilation is recommended to counter the stuffiness from high humidity. The damp weather presents a perfect opportunity for a cozy day indoors.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the coming days shows a mix of rain and sunshine. Thursday, December 4, will see moderate rain with temperatures between 23.5°C and 27.9°C. The upcoming weekend, December 6 and 7, looks relatively drier with patchy rain and sunny intervals. Temperatures during this period will range from 23°C to 28°C, with moderate winds and slightly lower humidity. December 8 and 9 are currently identified as the best days for outdoor activities, with sunny skies and minimal rain chances expected.
