Kolkata begins Monday, January 19, 2026, with a clear and bright outlook, anticipating a sunny day with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15.9°C to a maximum of 30.4°C. However, air quality remains a significant concern, as yesterday’s pollution was categorized as “severe,” indicating a potential for lingering haze despite the blue skies. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing masks, especially near busy roads, given that light winds and dry conditions may not effectively disperse pollutants. The week ahead is forecast to see a gradual increase in temperatures, with maximums climbing to 33.8°C by Saturday, January 24, maintaining consistently sunny conditions without any rain.
The day is set to be firmly sunny, featuring a warm afternoon and a noticeably cooler late night compared to the daytime peak. This classic January sunshine will feel comfortable in the morning before becoming sharply warmer as the sun climbs higher.
Today’s temperatures in Kolkata are projected to swing from a minimum of 15.9°C to a maximum of 30.4°C, settling at an average around 22.8°C. Humidity levels are expected to remain relatively low for the city, at approximately 29%, which should prevent the heat from feeling sticky.
Winds will be gentle to moderate, with speeds peaking near 12.6 km/h, providing a light breeze but not enough to significantly clear the air. Importantly for daily planning, the forecast indicates 0 mm of rain and a 0% chance of precipitation, meaning umbrellas will not be needed.
Hourly shifts in weather will not be dramatic due to the steady sunny signal, but a typical rhythm is expected. This includes a cooler start around sunrise, which is at 6:19 AM, followed by strong sun and a warmer feel from late morning to mid-afternoon.
A more comfortable slide in temperatures is anticipated after sunset, which occurs at 5:16 PM. Those stepping out late in the evening should carry a light layer, as temperatures can drop quickly compared with the afternoon high.
Air quality, however, could still be a concern, as yesterday’s pollution sat in the “severe” bracket. That kind of lingering haze can carry into today even when the skies look blue.
Kolkata’s air quality on Sunday, January 18, was firmly in the Severe range on the Indian scale, with an AQI (IN) of 346, placing it in Category 5. On the US scale, the reading was 277, also indicating unhealthy-to-hazardous conditions for many people.
The biggest red flags in yesterday’s air quality report were particulates, with PM2.5 at 189 and PM10 at 241, alongside CO at 714.
When PM2.5 runs this high, it’s not just “bad air”—it can translate into irritated eyes and throat, coughing, headaches, and breathing strain, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or heart conditions.
Today’s sunny and dry weather setup often means less washout of pollutants, as there is no rain to help clear the air. Additionally, light winds may not effectively disperse the existing pollution. In other words, even with clear skies, ground-level air may remain harsh, particularly in the morning and late evening when pollution can linger closer to the surface.
If you’re heading out early, it’s a pleasant morning for light exercise, but a mask is still a smart add-on, especially near busy roads. This is a day to enjoy the sunshine, but with a few practical guardrails in place.
Midday will feel the warmest, so sunglasses and hydration will go a long way in ensuring comfort. For those commuting through traffic-heavy corridors, using a well-fitting mask and keeping vehicle windows up where possible is recommended.
Families planning outdoor activities or workouts are advised to schedule them in open, greener spaces rather than congested streets. It is also suggested to keep the intensity of physical activity moderate if the air feels irritating.
Individuals sensitive to pollution might consider moving their longer walks to late morning, when the air can sometimes feel marginally better than during the early rush-hour period.
Looking ahead, Kolkata’s forecast remains consistently sunny through the week, with daytime temperatures expected to rise gradually. After today’s maximum of 30.4°C, the temperature is projected to climb to 31.6°C on January 20.
The maximum temperature will further increase to 32.2°C on January 21, and then hover around 32–33°C through January 23. The warmest day in this stretch appears to be Saturday, January 24, reaching 33.8°C, before a slight easing to 33.2°C on January 25.
Nights are also expected to get warmer, with minimum temperatures moving from 15.9°C today to approximately 20–20.4°C by January 24–25. This pattern suggests more summer-like afternoons by the upcoming weekend.
Therefore, outdoor plans are best set for early mornings or post-sunset. If pollution levels remain elevated, choosing parks over roadsides for outdoor activities is advisable.
One small but notable detail for the week is that moon illumination remains low, at 0% today, and will gradually rise through the week. If you are out late, the sky may look clearer but darker, providing another reason to stay visible and cautious on the roads.
Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.