Heat wave in North India

temperatures rose across the region today remaining above the 40 degree celsius mark in many places.

In Uttar Pradesh, several districts recorded maximum temperatures which were three to four degrees above normal.

Varanasi with a maximum of 44.9 degrees celsius was the hottest place in the state followed by Allahabad with 44.8 degrees celsius, Banda with 44.4 degrees celsius and Sultanpur 44 degrees celsius.

The state capital Lucknow also witnessed a hot day with the maximum temperature at 42.9 degrees celsius.

Rajasthan also sizzled with Barmer recording the highest maximum of 45 degrees celsius.

Churu and SriGanganagar recoded maximums of 44.5 while Kota, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaipur recorded 43.9, 43.2, 42.6 and 42.4 degree celsius respectively.

The national capital saw the maximum temperature rising upto 42.2 degree celsius.

In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a maximum temperature of 40.7 degree Celsius, up two degrees from normal.

Ludhiana recorded a high of 41.5 degrees celsius while blistering heat swept Patiala at 42.1 degrees Celsius, up two and three notches, respectively.

In Haryana, sizzling heat swept Rohtak at 42.7 deg C, up three degrees while Bhiwani had a hot day at 42.2 deg C.

Ambala's maximum settled at 40.9 degrees Celsius while Hisar recorded a high of 42 degrees Celsius.

The MeT has forecast that maximum temperatures in the region may further soar over the next few days.