Delhi reeled under sweltering heat on Tuesday as the maximum temperature settled at 43.5 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches above normal, at the benchmark Safdarjung observatory, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather office said stations at Ayanagar, Ridge and Lodhi Road fell short of official heatwave criteria by 0.2 degree, 0.4 degree and 0.7 degree Celsius respectively.

City residents are expected to get some respite from May 29 onwards, with the weather office predicting thunderstorm and rain activity.

Rajasthan continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Tuesday, with Sri Ganganagar recording the highest maximum temperature at 47 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the state.

Bikaner and Phalodi followed closely at 46 degrees Celsius each, while Jaisalmer recorded 45.6 degrees Celsius and Kota 45.4 degrees Celsius. The state capital, Jaipur, also witnessed severe heat, recording a maximum of 43.2 degrees Celsius.

Most major cities reported temperatures above the 40-degree mark on Tuesday.

Jaipur Meteorological Centre said the ongoing heatwave and warm night conditions are likely to persist for the next two to three days, with maximum temperatures expected to hover between 44-46 degrees Celsius across most regions.

In parts of Bikaner, Kota division and Shekhawati region, temperatures may touch 46-47 degrees Celsius.

Relief is likely towards the end of the week as a fresh western disturbance is expected to become active from May 28, bringing chances of dust storms and light rain in parts of the state. Weather activity is expected to intensify from May 30 and may continue into the first week of June.

Due to these changes, temperatures are likely to drop by 2-3 degrees Celsius from May 29 onwards, offering some respite from the prevailing heatwave conditions, officials said.

Haryana and Punjab on Tuesday witnessed intense heat, with Sirsa once again turning out to be the hottest place in the two neighbouring state at a maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius.

Haryana's Sirsa has been reeling under heatwave for the past few days.

Sizzling weather also prevailed in Rohtak and Bhiwani, which recorded respective maximums of 45.6 degrees Celsius and 44.5 degrees Celsius.

Ambala recorded a high of 42.5 degrees Celsius, Hisar 44.5 degrees, Karnal 42.6 degrees while Narnaul recorded 44 degrees Celsius.

the common capital of the two states, also experienced hot weather at 41.6 degrees Celsius.

In Punjab, Bathinda sizzled at 45.8 degrees Celsius while Patiala registered a maximum of 43.4 degrees Celsius.

Ludhiana lodged a maximum of 42.5 degrees Celsius while Amritsar's high settled at 41.6 degrees Celsius.

Pathankot, Ferozepur and Mohali recorded respective maximums of 40 degrees, 40.3 degrees and 40 degrees Celsius.

Large swathes of northern and central India continue to bake under intense heatwave conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of persisting extreme temperatures even as signs of a dramatic seasonal shift emerge. While the southwest monsoon gathers strength for an early arrival along the Kerala coast, millions in the north and central regions are enduring scorching days with little immediate respite.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a dual weather warning for Himachal Pradesh, forecasting severe heat wave conditions over the next two days before a fresh Western Disturbance triggers widespread rain, snowfall and hailstorms across the state later this week.

According to the latest bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, dry weather conditions are likely to prevail on May 26 and 27, causing a sharp rise in temperatures across several districts.

The IMD has placed isolated areas of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, Shimla and Sirmaur districts under a "Yellow" alert for heat wave conditions.

Officials said both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius in most parts of the state during this period. Una recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 41.6 degrees Celsius during the past 24 hours, while Keylong remained the coldest with a minimum temperature of 2.5 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions today in Delhi. These conditions are expected to persist until tomorrow, with maximum temperatures ranging from 44 to 46 degrees Celsius. The rising temperatures can significantly impact both physical and mental health, making daily tasks more challenging. During a heatwave, the body struggles to regulate its internal temperature. 

This can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and individuals with existing health issues. High temperatures can also worsen respiratory conditions in some individuals. Dr. RS Mishra, Co-Chair of Academics, Principal Director and Head, Internal Medicine at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, has mentioned that hospitals have started witnessing a noticeable rise in heat-related illnesses as temperatures climb across the city.

Individually, India has handled each of these before. Together, they can become dangerous.

The concerns is multi-dimensional. India's economy still depends heavily on affordable energy, a stable monsoon and rural demand. All three are under pressure at once.

The ongoing spell of intense heat and heatwave conditions is expected to continue across Delhi-NCR for the next three days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a 'yellow alert' for the region on May 26 and 27. According to the latest forecast, the maximum temperature may touch 44 degrees Celsius during this period, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain between 30 and 31 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has advised residents to remain cautious, especially during the afternoon hours, when heatwave conditions are expected to peak. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast heavy rainfall in eight districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday due to prevailing atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining seas.

The system is expected to influence weather patterns across several parts of the state over the coming days. As a result, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in the hilly regions of Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, as well as in Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Theni, Dindigul and Kanyakumari districts on Tuesday.

Hot weather conditions continued to prevail in Haryana and Punjab on Monday, with Sirsa reeling at a maximum temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius.

Sirsa in Haryana was the hottest place in the state, according to the Met here.