Kolkata's Winter Day: Sunshine and Warmth Amid Pollution Concerns
Kolkata is poised for a strikingly bright and dry winter day on Monday, January 26, 2026, with abundant sunshine and a notable warm-up expected by the afternoon. Clear skies are forecast with no rainfall, and temperatures are set to climb into the high 20s, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. However, the city continues to grapple with severe air pollution levels, which may persist despite the sunny weather.
Detailed Weather Conditions for Monday
The day is projected to begin at a relatively cool 17 degrees Celsius, with temperatures rising to a peak of 29.3 degrees Celsius by the afternoon. The average temperature for the day is estimated to be around 22.9 degrees Celsius, offering a wide range that can make the day feel distinctly different from morning to evening.
Humidity levels are predicted to remain fairly low at approximately 36 percent, which typically contributes to a crisp rather than sticky heat, especially when in the shade. Winds are expected to be present but not aggressive, with speeds reaching a maximum of nearly 17.6 kilometers per hour, providing some air movement without making the day blustery.
Rainfall is essentially ruled out for the day, with 0 millimeters forecast and a 0 percent chance of rain. Visibility is expected to remain strong at approximately 10 kilometers. The day is anticipated to follow a classic late-January pattern, where the morning feels pleasant and light, the midday sun feels sharp, and the evening cools down quickly once the light fades.
Since detailed hour-by-hour timing is not provided, planning should account for typical shifts in conditions. The coolest window is from sunrise to mid-morning, the hottest stretch runs from late morning through mid-afternoon, and a gentler breeze and cooler feel arrives after sunset. Daylight hours will extend from 6:17 AM to 5:21 PM, with the sun setting early even when the day turns warm.
Air Quality Concerns and Health Implications
Kolkata's air quality on Sunday, January 25, was reported as troubling, with the AQI (India) registering at 303, placing it in Category 5, which is classified as Severe. The US AQI for the same day was 239, also falling within the unhealthy-to-hazardous range on the scale.
Particulate pollutants were identified as the primary contributors to these levels, with PM2.5 at 156 and PM10 at 193, and CO at 352 also elevated. These conditions can have noticeable effects on residents, including irritated eyes and throat, heavier breathing during exertion, and flare-ups for those with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions.
Even individuals in good health may experience symptoms, particularly near traffic junctions and during longer two-wheeler rides. The question of whether today's weather will help improve air quality is noted, as sunshine and modest wind can sometimes improve mixing in the air, but dry, calm-to-moderate conditions can also allow dust and particles to persist, especially if there's no rain to wash pollutants down. Therefore, the sky may look clear while the air still isn't.
Health and Safety Advice for Residents
Planning for the day should include considerations for both the sun and air quality. Dressing appropriately for the sunny conditions is advised, with light cotton clothing likely being the most comfortable option as temperatures approach 29 degrees Celsius. It is also recommended to avoid prolonged direct sun exposure, particularly around early afternoon.
For those planning to exercise, the early morning window is suggested when temperatures are lower, but it is important to keep the effort moderate if the air still feels heavy. Given yesterday's Severe AQI, protective measures for respiratory health are recommended, including considering a well-fitted mask when in traffic-heavy corridors and efforts to keep indoor air clean where possible. Individuals should take breaks if they experience coughing or breathlessness.
Two-wheeler riders may benefit from both eye protection to reduce irritation and a mask for extended periods of travel. This is a sunglasses-and-water kind of afternoon, emphasizing the need for hydration and sun protection.
Week Ahead Forecast for Kolkata
Kolkata's weather forecast indicates consistently bright conditions for the upcoming week, with almost wall-to-wall sunny skies. High temperatures are expected to range between 29 and 32 degrees Celsius. Specifically, Tuesday is forecast to reach 29.6 degrees Celsius, with temperatures turning hotter on Wednesday at 31.2 degrees Celsius. The peak high for the week is anticipated on Thursday, near 31.8 degrees Celsius.
Nights throughout the week are expected to remain relatively comfortable, mostly between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius, with the mildest night forecast to be around 19.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday. With no rain indicated for the entire week, outdoor plans can be scheduled more easily from midweek through the weekend. However, it is important to note that the strongest heat arrives from Wednesday to Friday, so morning outings will be more comfortable than afternoon errands.
Sunday, February 1, is also expected to be sunny, with temperatures reaching 31.7 degrees Celsius during the day and 18.2 degrees Celsius at night. An additional note for skywatchers concerns the moon, which moves from First Quarter today to a Full Moon on February 1, with moonrise shifting later each day—nice for evening views once the haze hopefully eases.
The data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in, providing reliable insights into the city's weather and air quality conditions.
