Kolkata ushered in a crisp and bright morning on 5 December, offering residents a welcome break from fluctuating conditions over the past week. Daytime temperatures were forecast to move between 16°C and 27.7°C, creating an inviting setting for outdoor activity. However, the improvement in weather arrived just a day after the city recorded ‘severe’ air quality, raising concerns about the environmental health of one of India’s most densely populated metros and its implications for public well-being.
Although the city woke up to sunshine, air quality remained a matter of caution. Data from AQI.in shows that on 4 December, Kolkata registered an Air Quality Index of 326, driven primarily by high PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. According to environmental specialists, such particulate levels can aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly among children, senior citizens, and daily-wage workers who spend prolonged hours outdoors. Officials noted that while clearer skies may assist in dispersing pollutants, the city’s dry winter conditions often trap suspended particles at lower altitudes.
Through the morning, humidity hovered around 38 per cent, a level that kept the outdoors comfortable without the stickiness typical of coastal cities. Winds were light at 16.2 kmph, providing mild ventilation but insufficient to significantly disperse the previous day’s pollutants. With no rainfall expected, meteorologists anticipate a continuation of clear skies for several days.Urban planners note that Kolkata’s recurring winter smog episodes point to a larger issue urban design that has historically prioritised rapid expansion over environmental resilience. High traffic volumes, industrial emissions, construction dust, and limited green buffers continue to influence seasonal air quality trends. An official working on sustainable mobility added that the city’s car dependency, combined with ageing public transport fleets, worsens local pollution levels during periods of stable winter air.
Despite these concerns, the pleasant weather encouraged residents to return to outdoor routines from yoga sessions in neighbourhood parks to evening walks along arterial roads. Authorities, however, advised those sensitive to air quality changes to carry masks, particularly in traffic-dense corridors such as EM Bypass and Park Circus. Health experts recommended using indoor air purifiers and limiting exposure for vulnerable groups. Forecasts for 6 to 10 December suggest a continuation of sunny and dry conditions, with temperatures ranging from 14.9°C to 28.5°C.
While this offers ideal weather for outdoor plans, it also raises the possibility of pollutants remaining trapped close to the surface. Industry experts believe that consistent air-quality monitoring and strategic interventions such as strengthening public transport, expanding non-motorised mobility, and improving waste-handling practices are increasingly essential to ensure equitable and breathable urban environments. As the city enjoys its first clear spell in weeks, the episode serves as a reminder of the need for integrated climate-sensitive planning that aligns public health priorities with sustainable urban growth.
Kolkata Enjoys Sunny Weather As Poor Air Quality Still Raises Health Concerns
