Among the fatalities, 25 were poll staff members who succumbed to suspected heatstroke while on duty. These deaths highlight the harsh conditions faced by those working during the election period in extreme temperatures.

Heat-related deaths have been reported from multiple states: 10 in Odisha, eight in Bihar, four in Jharkhand, and one in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. Rajasthan has also reported at least five fatalities due to the heat.

On Friday, the maximum deaths were reported in Uttar Pradesh (17), followed by Bihar (14), Odisha (five), and Jharkhand (four). Over 1,300 people have been hospitalised with heatstroke conditions in these regions.

The soaring temperatures have exacerbated water scarcity issues, particularly in Delhi, where residents face acute shortages. Long queues for water tankers have become a common sight, with people struggling to secure enough water for daily needs.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Kanpur (IAF) as the hottest place in the country at 48.2 degrees Celsius. Other areas also reported extreme temperatures, with Haryana's Sirsa at 47.8 degrees Celsius and Delhi's Ayanagar at 47 degrees Celsius.

The IMD reported heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in many parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Some parts of Bihar, east Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand also experienced severe heat.

Heatwave conditions affected various regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Vidarbha, West Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi have been continuously experiencing these extreme conditions.

In Uttar Pradesh, 15 election staff died from suspected heatstroke, with the deaths occurring in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts. The victims included home guard jawans, sanitation workers, clerks, and other officials.

In Bihar, 14 people, including 10 polling personnel, died due to heatstroke over the past two days. The state has closed all schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centres until June 8 in response to the severe heatwave.

In Odisha, five sunstroke-related deaths have been confirmed, with inquiries underway for 18 more suspected cases. In Jharkhand, four deaths and over 1,300 hospitalisations due to heat-related issues have been reported. Hospitals have been instructed to prepare air-conditioned rooms and reserve beds for heatstroke patients to manage the crisis effectively. 

According to the IMD, the prevailing heatwave conditions are likely to abate over the next two to three days. The IMD announced that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced into several parts of northeast India, bringing some relief and hope for cooler temperatures in the near future.