Kolkata's Sunny Sunday Masks Severe Air Quality Crisis
Residents of Kolkata woke up to bright sunshine on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with the city experiencing clear skies and warm afternoon temperatures. However, this pleasant weather facade conceals a serious environmental concern that has been plaguing the metropolitan area. Despite the inviting sunshine, the city continues to grapple with dangerously poor air quality that poses significant health risks to its inhabitants.
Detailed Weather Forecast for January 25
Today's meteorological conditions present a classic late-January pattern for Kolkata. The city is experiencing sunny weather throughout the day with absolutely no rainfall predicted in the forecast. Temperature readings show a considerable range, with the mercury expected to climb to approximately 29.1°C during the warmest part of the afternoon, while morning temperatures dip to around 16°C. This creates an average temperature of about 22.3°C, offering mild mornings that gradually transition into comfortably warm afternoons.
Humidity levels remain relatively low at an average of 31%, preventing the heat from becoming uncomfortably sticky. Wind conditions remain light to moderate, with maximum speeds reaching near 14.8 kilometers per hour. These gentle breezes provide some air movement but lack the intensity required to effectively disperse accumulated pollutants. The sun rises at 6:18 AM and sets at 5:20 PM, providing ample daylight hours for outdoor activities.
Severe Air Pollution Persists Despite Sunny Conditions
The cheerful weather stands in stark contrast to Kolkata's alarming air quality situation. On Saturday, January 24, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 331, which falls squarely into the "Severe" Category 5 classification according to Indian standards. On the United States measurement scale, this corresponds to an AQI of 292, indicating very unhealthy conditions that affect everyone, not just sensitive groups.
Particulate matter concentrations remain dangerously elevated, with PM2.5 levels recorded at 189 micrograms per cubic meter and PM10 reaching 235 micrograms per cubic meter. These microscopic pollutants can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing various health issues including throat irritation, watery eyes, persistent headaches, and breathing difficulties. The impact is particularly noticeable during daily commutes, outdoor exercise sessions, or extended periods spent in open-air markets and congested areas.
Meteorological experts attribute this persistent pollution episode to a combination of dry atmospheric conditions, minimal rainfall, and insufficient wind speeds that fail to disperse accumulated particulate matter effectively. The situation represents an ongoing environmental challenge rather than an isolated incident, with recent days consistently registering in the "Very Poor" to "Severe" air quality categories.
Health Precautions and Practical Recommendations
Given the dual challenges of warm weather and poor air quality, Kolkata residents must adopt comprehensive precautions. For weather management, dressing in breathable layers proves essential as temperatures fluctuate between morning coolness and afternoon warmth. Carrying sunglasses and maintaining hydration becomes particularly important for those spending time outdoors after 11 AM.
Regarding air pollution mitigation, several practical measures can significantly reduce exposure risks:
- Wearing well-fitting masks, especially in high-traffic areas and during commutes
- Scheduling outdoor physical activities for times and locations with relatively cleaner air
- Choosing parks and green spaces away from main roads for recreational purposes
- Maintaining lower intensity during exercise on days with severe air quality
- Keeping windows closed during peak traffic hours to minimize indoor pollution infiltration
- Utilizing air purification systems where available to improve indoor air quality
Weekly Weather Outlook and Planning Considerations
The meteorological forecast for the upcoming week indicates consistently clear and gradually warming conditions across Kolkata. From January 25 through January 31, the city is expected to experience uninterrupted sunny weather with absolutely no rainfall predicted during this period. Daytime temperatures will show a steady upward trend, increasing from approximately 29-30°C early in the week to over 32°C during the latter part.
The warmest period is anticipated between January 29 and January 31, with temperatures peaking around 32.0-32.4°C. Nighttime temperatures will also become progressively milder, rising from today's 16°C to approximately 20°C by the weekend. For those planning outdoor engagements, the period from January 25 to January 28 offers the most favorable balance between comfortable warmth and manageable heat levels.
As temperatures escalate from January 29 onward, scheduling outdoor activities during morning hours or late evenings becomes increasingly advisable to avoid peak afternoon heat. The combination of rising temperatures and persistent air quality concerns necessitates careful planning for all outdoor engagements throughout the coming week.
Weather and air quality data referenced in this analysis is sourced from authoritative meteorological monitoring platforms including AQI.in, providing residents with accurate environmental information for informed decision-making regarding their daily activities and health precautions.
