India's Rajasthan in grip of extreme heat above 42 degrees Celsius

Several places in India's western state of Rajasthan are in the grip of extreme heat, officials said Wednesday.

According to India's state-run broadcaster All India Radio, in most of the districts, the maximum temperature is being measured above 42 degrees Celsius.

"In some places, the mercury has reached above 44 degrees Celsius," the broadcaster said.

"Due to the scorching heat, people in many towns and cities are avoiding coming out of their homes during the day time," a local government official said. "The government has given the responsibility to the collectors to declare school holidays or change their timings."

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a fresh heat wave spell is likely to prevail over Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh from Wednesday to Friday.

Experts said the absence of factors such as western disturbances and upper air cyclonic circulation has led to a steady increase in surface temperatures in the state since Sunday.

Last month the IMD said the country would face extreme heat from April to June with the central and western peninsular regions anticipated to be the worst affected.

The IMD said during heatwaves, elevated temperatures pose significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.