Kolkata's Winter Sunshine Brings Mixed Blessings
Kolkata woke up to a bright Wednesday morning on January 14, 2026. The city experienced clear winter skies with comfortable temperatures. Morning chill gave way to pleasant afternoon warmth, making it ideal for daily activities.
Weather Details for Today
Today's forecast promises dominant sunshine throughout the day. Maximum temperatures will reach 25.2°C while minimums will drop to 12.1°C. The average temperature settles around 18.5°C.
Humidity levels remain near 33%, creating dry and comfortable conditions. Light-to-moderate winds will blow at speeds up to 12.2 km/h. No rainfall is expected, with zero chance of precipitation disrupting plans.
The coolest period occurs during early morning hours. This time proves perfect for outdoor exercise before sunlight intensifies. Temperatures climb steadily through late morning and afternoon under clear skies.
After sunset around 5:12 PM, temperatures ease down again. Evening hours turn distinctly cooler, requiring light layers for those venturing out.
Severe Air Quality Concerns Persist
Despite pleasant weather, air pollution remains a serious concern. Tuesday's air quality measured in the severe category with an AQI of 307. This unhealthy condition continues into Wednesday.
Particulate matter dominates the pollutant mix. PM2.5 levels reached 145 while PM10 hit 183. These high concentrations can irritate eyes, throat, and chest. Children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions face particular risks.
The US AQI reading of 225 confirms unhealthy air conditions. Sunny weather with light winds fails to disperse pollution effectively. Without rain or strong winds, pollutants linger near ground level.
Health Recommendations for Residents
Residents should dress for temperature variations throughout the day. Sunglasses protect against midday glare while light jackets help during cooler periods.
Masks become essential in high-traffic areas like EM Bypass and central business districts. These locations show consistently elevated particulate levels.
For outdoor exercise, late morning to early afternoon offers relatively cleaner air. Sensitive individuals should still moderate their activity intensity. Families can enjoy parks but should avoid roadside areas and stay hydrated.
Weekly Weather Outlook
The coming week maintains consistent sunshine without rainfall. Temperatures gradually increase each day:
- Thursday, January 15: 25.6°C maximum, 13°C minimum
- Friday, January 16: 26.2°C maximum, 12.7°C minimum
- Saturday, January 17: 26.8°C maximum, 13.4°C minimum
- Sunday, January 18: 28.3°C maximum, 14.8°C minimum
Next week turns distinctly hotter with Monday reaching 30.4°C and Tuesday peaking at 31.7°C. Sunday stands out as ideal for outdoor plans before intense heat arrives.
By January 19-20, afternoon heat will require lighter clothing, sunscreen, and scheduling errands for earlier hours. The warming trend continues through month's end.
Weather and air quality data referenced comes from AQI.in monitoring systems.
