Kolkata Braces for Sunny Friday with Warming Trend Amid Air Quality Concerns
Kolkata is set to enjoy a bright and sunny Friday on January 23, 2026, with clear skies and no rainfall expected throughout the day. The city will experience a steady rise in temperatures, leading to a warm afternoon before cooling down comfortably in the evening. However, residents must exercise caution due to lingering "poor" air quality from Thursday, January 22, which continues to pose health risks for outdoor activities.
Today's Weather Details: A Dry and Sunny Day
The day begins on a bright note with winter sunshine gracing the city. Sunny conditions are forecast to persist from morning until sunset, providing ample daylight for residents. Temperatures will climb steadily after breakfast hours, reaching a high near 28.2°C by the afternoon. The morning low was recorded at 14.9°C, resulting in a wide temperature range typical for late January in Kolkata.
The average temperature for the day is projected to be around 21.3°C, with relatively low humidity levels at approximately 31%. This dry heat should feel less sticky and more tolerable. Winds are expected to remain gentle to moderate, topping out around 11.5 km/h, with no gusty conditions predicted.
Rain is completely off the table today, with 0 mm precipitation anticipated and a 0% chance of rainfall. Visibility remains clear at about 10 km, characterizing it as a clean-weather day. The coolest feel will be experienced in the early morning, while a noticeably warmer patch is expected from late morning into mid-afternoon. A more comfortable, slightly breezy feel will arrive once the sun dips below the horizon.
Sunrise occurred at 6:18 AM, and sunset is scheduled for 5:19 PM. Although the day remains bright, the evening cool-down will come relatively early, offering relief from the afternoon warmth.
Air Quality Concerns: Lingering Pollution from Thursday
Despite the inviting weather, air quality remains a significant concern. Kolkata's air on Thursday, January 22, was firmly unhealthy, falling into the "poor" bracket with an AQI (India) of 280, which corresponds to Category 4: Poor. On the US scale, it read 222, also indicating unhealthy air.
The primary pollutants driving this poor air quality are particulate matter. PM2.5 levels were recorded at 140, while PM10 levels reached 175. Both these levels are high enough to irritate eyes and throat, trigger coughing, and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma. This is particularly risky for vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung diseases.
Carbon monoxide (CO) levels were also elevated at 486, adding to the overall pollution load. Today's sunny and dry weather does not automatically "wash out" pollution, as there is no rain to scrub particles from the air. While light winds may help disperse some haze locally, emissions from traffic and other sources could keep air quality stubbornly poor, especially during morning and evening peak hours.
Recommendations for the Day: Balancing Enjoyment and Health
Given the weather and air quality conditions, it is sensible to keep outdoor time measured, particularly near busy roads. Early morning walks can be pleasant, but carrying a mask is advised for those sensitive to pollution or commuting through traffic-heavy stretches.
During midday, when temperatures peak under direct sunlight, wearing sunglasses and a light layer is a smart approach. Considering yesterday's poor AQI, using a well-fitted mask (such as N95/FFP2) is recommended for long commutes, outdoor workouts, or routes along major junctions.
If possible, shift exercise to quieter streets or parks and keep sessions shorter than usual. At home, keeping windows closed during peak traffic hours and ventilating later in the day can help reduce indoor pollution. Staying hydrated is also crucial in dry, sunny conditions to prevent dehydration.
The Week Ahead Forecast: Consistently Sunny with Gradual Warming
The forecast for the coming week indicates consistently sunny conditions with a gradual warming trend. After today's high of 28.2°C, daytime temperatures are projected to rise steadily:
- January 24: High of 29.6°C
- January 25: High of 30.4°C
- January 26–27: Temperatures hovering around 30°C
- January 28: High of 31.4°C
- January 29: High potentially reaching 32.3°C
Nights will also see an increase, edging up from the mid-teens to about 18.9°C by January 29. Rain chances remain at 0% throughout the week, making outdoor plans easy to schedule. However, residents should remain mindful of midday heat and potential pollution.
For longer outdoor activities, January 23–24 offer the most comfortable conditions before stronger heat settles in. By January 28–29, while the weather remains great on paper, hotter afternoons may necessitate shade breaks and earlier timings to avoid discomfort.
