Kolkata weather: Sunny skies, warm temperatures; air quality alert
Times of India | 25 January 2026
Kolkata is set for a bright, warm winter day on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with clear skies and afternoon temperatures reaching 28.9°C, while mornings and evenings remain cool near 15.1°C. Despite the pleasant weather, yesterday's air quality was in the "Severe" category, with an AQI of 336 (India) and 265 (US), indicating that sensitive groups may still experience strain outdoors due to lingering pollution. The forecast for the coming week shows consistent sunshine and gradually rising temperatures, with afternoons becoming warmer and nights milder, though air quality remains a potential concern without rainfall.
Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Kolkata is characterized by clear skies and a warm afternoon. The city is set for a bright, proper winter-sun kind of day. Temperatures are expected to climb to approximately 28.9°C. Morning and late evening temperatures will remain comfortably cool, near 15.1°C.
The forecast for today is straightforward: Sunny, dry, and at times fairly breezy. The day's high temperature is 28.9°C, and the low is 15.1°C. The average temperature for the day is 21.7°C, offering classic late-January comfort with a spring-like afternoon.
Humidity levels remain low, at around 29 percent. This condition should keep the air feeling crisp rather than sticky. Visibility is anticipated to hold near 10 kilometers.
Winds are predicted to peak at approximately 13.7 kilometers per hour. This is enough for a light breeze that can feel refreshing in the shade, especially after sunset. Rain is essentially off the table today, with 0 millimeters of precipitation and a 0 percent chance of rain.
In practical terms, expect the day to feel coolest around sunrise, which is at 6:18 AM. Temperatures will then steadily warm up through the late morning into the early afternoon. By evening, the temperature should ease again. With sunset at 5:20 PM, the post-sunset temperature drop can feel quick, making it handy to keep a light layer nearby if planning to be out late.
Kolkata’s air quality yesterday, Friday, January 23, was hard to ignore. The AQI (India) was recorded at 336, placing it in Category 5: Severe. On the US scale, the AQI was 265, also indicating very unhealthy air.
The main culprits were elevated particulate levels. PM2.5 was measured at 178, and PM10 was at 219. Carbon monoxide (CO) was also in the mix, recorded at 403.
"Pollution check: yesterday stayed firmly in 'Severe'."
In severe conditions, people often report throat irritation, coughing, watery eyes, headaches, and a heavy feeling during exertion. This is especially true for children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions. Today's sunny and dry weather helps visibility and comfort. However, it does not automatically "wash out" pollution the way rain can.
"it doesn’t automatically “wash out” pollution the way rain can."
With no showers expected, pollution can linger, particularly in the morning and late evening. This is when local emissions and calmer air can trap particles closer to the surface.
For those commuting or running errands, sunglasses and water will go a long way. The afternoon warmth can sneak up under direct sun. Given yesterday’s Severe AQI, wearing a well-fitting mask, preferably N95/KN95, is advisable in traffic-heavy stretches, at bus stops, or near construction areas.
Outdoor workouts should be scheduled for late morning or early afternoon rather than very early. Intensity should be kept moderate for individuals prone to breathing issues. At home, shutting windows during peak traffic hours and using a purifier or even a DIY box-fan filter can make evenings more comfortable.
The outlook through the next week stays remarkably consistent. Sunny skies are expected every day, with no meaningful rain signals.
January 25 is forecast to be sunny, with a high of 29.7°C and a low of 16.5°C. Winds are expected to be slightly stronger, at 16.2 kilometers per hour.
On January 26, it will be sunny, with temperatures reaching 30°C and a low of 17.4°C. The day will be breezier, with winds at 19.1 kilometers per hour.
January 27 is also forecast to be sunny, with a high of 30°C and a low of 16.6°C.
The weather on January 28 is expected to be warmer, with a high of 31.5°C and a low of 16.9°C.
January 29 is predicted to be the hottest spell, with temperatures reaching 32.2°C and a low of 18.9°C.
January 30 will remain warm, with a high of 31.7°C and a low of 19.4°C.
The pattern is clear: afternoons will keep heating up, and nights will turn gradually milder. This trend is especially noticeable after the 28th. For outdoor plans, Sunday to Tuesday, January 25–27, look excellent weather-wise. However, air quality may remain a concern without rainfall.
If one is choosing the "best" day for long outdoor time, January 26 stands out for pleasant warmth with a stronger breeze.
"If you’re choosing the “best” day for long outdoor time, Jan 26 stands out for pleasant warmth with a stronger breeze—just stay mindful of pollution exposure."
Mindfulness of pollution exposure is still advised.
The data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.