Record temperatures have left many Indians suffering, causing scientists to explore possible climate link Meteorological researchers in India suspect that climate change is a contributory factor to the changing weather patterns that have caused the late arrival of the monsoon after a summer of swelteringly dry heat that has broken temperature records. The summer monsoon arrived in West Bengal last week – almost two weeks later than usual − and brought relief to Kolkata and other cities and states across India that have been enduring an unusually hot summer. A temperature of 41.5C was recorded in Kolkata in late May – the highest in 10 years – while temperatures in New Delhi earlier this month exceeded 43C for seven consecutive days, and at one stage reached 48˚C. Other cities and states have had record temperatures, and many lives have been lost due to the heat. Livelihoods have also suffered. Kolkata is famous for its bustling streets and pavements crowded with hawkers, but throughout recent months there has been a deserted look to the city. “We have had to close our stalls earlier than usual and there’s been hardly any customers,” says Asraf Ali, a street hawker. “People from neighbouring districts, who are our main customers, have not been coming into the city due to the terrible heat.”

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