Most senior residents have similar stories. In the summer of 2000, however, mercury touched a record high of 28 c. Fans running on full speed has become a common sight now in summer, as much in Darjeeling as in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Barely 5-6 years ago, I used to come to office everyday in a suit and tie even in summer. It is too hot. You look outside and see what he means.
Teenagers walk around in sleeveless blouses.
Rainfall patterns have also changed. January brings with it a westerly disturbance with light rain accompanied by snow. During March and April come heavy cyclonic showers, called nor'wester rains. This is followed by the monsoon from June to September. The rainy days during the monsoons, on the other hand, have declined marginally, though the concentration and intensity has increased and they are accompanied by strong winds.