Kolkata is already feeling the summer heat, with temperatures soaring to
39°C in March—a rare and concerning spike. The sweltering weather has forced residents to adjust their daily routines, from changing commute schedules to ensuring hydration for street animals.
"It’s only March, and we’ve already hit 39 degrees! If this is just the start, I can’t imagine how brutal May will be," says Priyanka Basu, a local resident.
Many office-goers are leaving home earlier to escape the scorching afternoon sun. "I now leave by 8 AM to reach the office before the roads start baking. Returning in the evening is still tough, but at least I avoid the worst of the heat," shares Soumya Dutta, a bank employee.
For those who ride two-wheelers, the situation is even worse. "Riding a bike in this heat feels like stepping into a furnace. I’ve started taking my car even for short distances," says Aniket Ghosh, a private firm employee.
Meanwhile, compassionate citizens are stepping up to help animals. "I keep bowls of water outside my shop for stray dogs and birds as they suffer just as much as we do," says Rina Mondal, a shopkeeper in North Kolkata.
Some residents are even planning weekend getaways to escape the unbearable heat. "I’m considering a trip to Darjeeling or Sikkim next month. Kolkata’s summer is arriving too soon, and it’s exhausting," says college student Aditya Roy.
With rising temperatures hitting earlier than usual, Kolkata is already in adaptation mode. But with peak summer still months away, the big question remains: how much hotter will it get?
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