The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red alert' for the states over the next five days, predicting heatwave to severe heatwave conditions to prevail over parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh, providing little respite to those suffering under a harsh and searing summer wave across vast swathes of the country's northern belt. According to the Met Department, maximum daytime temperatures in a number of these states' districts might rise beyond 47 degrees Celsius.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said, "Temperatures are currently above normal across North West India and we had issued a red alert for the region over the past 2-3 days. Concerning a state-wise forecast, we have issued a red alert in Rajasthan for the next five days. The maximum temperature is likely to inch further up from 45degC and settle at 47degC."