Chennai/Hyderabad: Southern India is bracing for a mix of patchy rains, moderate air quality, and a looming weather threat from the Bay of Bengal.

While Chennai experienced scattered showers on September 22 with temperatures between 26.3°C and 33.7°C, Hyderabad is preparing for potentially very heavy rainfall later this week as a deep depression builds over the Bay.

Chennai’s conditions remained humid, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 54, moderate pollution levels (PM2.5 at 21 µg/m³, PM10 at 54 µg/m³, and CO at 459 ppm), and wind speeds of 21.2 km/h.

Meteorologists forecast an 88% chance of rain during late afternoon hours, which may further improve air quality. Residents are advised to carry umbrellas and masks, particularly those sensitive to respiratory changes, as humidity levels are expected to remain high throughout the week.

In contrast, Hyderabad is on alert as meteorologists warn that the evolving Bay of Bengal system could intensify into a deep depression by September 26–27, bringing very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Telangana.

Forecast models suggest an 80% probability of the system affecting east, central, and south Telangana, with Hyderabad at risk of heavy downpours if the system tracks closer to the city.

Authorities have cautioned citizens about potential waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and power outages, advising residents to follow official updates closely.

The IMD’s outlook shows cloudy skies with light to moderate showers until September 25 in Hyderabad, with conditions worsening significantly if the depression strengthens.

The evolving weather system, combined with seasonal rainfall in Chennai, underscores the volatile monsoon pattern in southern India this week.