Heatwave conditions have intensified sharply across India over the last few days, with several regions now recording temperatures above 45°C.

The ongoing week between May 18 and 24 is expected to be the hottest spell of the season. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Telangana are among the worst-affected areas.

Barmer and Banda have already crossed the 48°C mark. The absence of pre-monsoon thunderstorms and weather activity over the mountains has allowed temperatures to rise rapidly.

Weather experts are also monitoring a possible system over the Arabian Sea, which may delay the monsoon flow toward India and prolong the heatwave conditions further.

Hot and dry weather is likely to continue over North, West and Central India for the next few days.