As India sizzles under the effects of an early heatwave, citizens have been cautioned to expect no relief anytime soon. Parts of northwest, west and central India have already seen temperatures soar by 4°C to 6°C “under the influence of prevailing winds and clear sky conditions”, the India Meteorological Department explained.

Over the past two days, mercury surpassed the 40°C mark in Vidarbha, western Rajasthan, Marathwada and Saurashtra. Temperatures were 5°C to 6°C above normal even in Mumbai, Pune and Thane – Mumbai sweltered at 38.4°C, the second highest temperature recorded in the city in March since 2014. Skymet Weather has attributed this temperature spike to dry northerly-northeasterly winds. Delhi also hit 38°C on Tuesday.

The IMD has warned that the heatwave is “very likely” to continue in western Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Marathwada, Vidarbha and parts of Rajasthan this week, DNA reported. The department’s forecast for summer 2017 said much of the north, northwest, central and even the plains of the Himalayas will be plagued by heatwave conditions.

According to AccuWeather, most of India, besides the Himalayas of northeastern India and coastal regions, will witness temperatures at or above 38°C. “Along the coast, very humid conditions will make it feel even hotter,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister.

The Met Department and the National Disaster Management Authority have directed states to take measures to prevent heat-related deaths – the toll stood around 700 in 2016. The IMD said it will release information on the heatwave every Thursday in the April-June period and ensure “last mile connectivity” to disseminate the information to all, PTI reported.