Tirunelveli Air Quality Index (AQI) & Air Pollution Today

Tamil Nadu, India — Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5

Tirunelveli AQI Right Now

34

Category: Good

Dominant Pollutant: pm10

PM2.5: 7.83 µg/m³

PM10: 34.44 µg/m³

Last updated: 2026-03-24 — Data source: Google Air Quality API (NAQI). Live NAQI values load when you visit the page.

Tirunelveli Pollutant Levels

PollutantConcentration
PM2.57.83 µg/m³
PM1034.44 µg/m³
O₃ (Ozone)18.29 µg/m³
NO₂9.1 µg/m³
SO₂2.95 µg/m³
CO512.51 µg/m³

Health Advisory — Tirunelveli

Good: Minimal impact on health. Great day to be outdoors!

Health Impact — Tirunelveli

Cigarette Equivalent: Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking 0.4 cigarettes per day (based on current PM2.5 levels).

Health Recommendations for Tirunelveli

  • General Population: Air quality is satisfactory. Enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Elderly: No special precautions needed.
  • Children: Great day for outdoor play.
  • Lung Disease Patients: No restrictions on outdoor activities.

Understanding Tirunelveli Air Quality

Tirunelveli, situated in the deep south of Tamil Nadu along the Thamiraparani River, is one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its air quality is strongly influenced by emissions drifting from the nearby Sivakasi match and fireworks manufacturing belt - one of the world's largest - where thousands of small units produce firecrackers, matches, and printing materials. During the pre-Diwali production surge (August–October), fine particulate levels in the broader region rise noticeably as factories operate at full capacity.

The Thamiraparani River valley and proximity to the Western Ghats provide Tirunelveli with natural advantages for air quality. The Ghats act as a barrier that channels moisture-laden winds during the northeast monsoon (October–December), bringing substantial rainfall that cleanses the atmosphere. During January–March, the driest months, road dust and vehicular emissions become more prominent as the city's growing traffic congestion compounds with reduced atmospheric moisture.

Overall, Tirunelveli enjoys relatively good air quality compared to most Indian cities of similar size. The tropical climate ensures year-round convective mixing, the Western Ghats filter westerly air masses, and the Thamiraparani corridor provides natural ventilation. AQI readings typically remain in the Good to Satisfactory range for most of the year, with only brief moderate spikes during the dry season or festival periods.

Primary Pollution Sources

  • Vehicle exhaust
  • Road dust
  • Matchstick industry emissions
  • Construction dust
  • Agricultural burning
  • Waste burning

Geography: Southern Tamil Nadu near Western Ghats; Thamiraparani River basin, match and fireworks industry region, tropical climate

Peak pollution months: December, January, February, March

Frequently Asked Questions — Tirunelveli

How does the Sivakasi fireworks industry affect Tirunelveli's air quality?

Sivakasi, located about 60 km northeast of Tirunelveli, is India's fireworks and match manufacturing capital. During peak production months (August–October, ahead of Diwali), emissions from thousands of small factories - including sulphur compounds, potassium nitrate dust, and fine particulates - drift across the region. While Tirunelveli does not bear the full brunt, elevated PM2.5 readings during these months are partly attributable to Sivakasi's industrial output.

When is the best time for clean air in Tirunelveli?

The northeast monsoon period (October–December) typically delivers the cleanest air, as heavy rainfall washes out particulates and suppresses dust. Post-monsoon weeks in early January also tend to be fresh. The driest stretch from February to May sees the highest dust levels, though AQI rarely exceeds the Moderate category thanks to the city's favourable geography near the Western Ghats.

Air Quality in Nearby Cities