New Delhi: June 11, 2007 – High temperatures have gripped North India, made it to sweat even higher than the humidity levels.  The mercury is reported to have touched around 45 degrees Celsius on Monday in a prolonged heat wave and caused many casualties. 

The highest temperature recorded Monday was 46 degrees Celsius in the Hissar region of Haryana. Rajasthan too continued to burn under the blazing summer sun with Jaipur recording a maximum of 44 degrees Celsius - four degrees above normal as per IANS.

Other Rajasthan towns that sweltered were: Sri Ganganagar (46.3 degrees Celsius) Churu (46.1C), Bikaner (43C) and Ajmer (42C).

In Madhya Pradesh the intense heat wave conditions showed no signs of easing off with Gwalior recording a high of 44.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Rewa (44.5C), Satna (43.8C) and Jabalpur (42.8C).

At least nine people have died due to heat stroke and dehydration in the state. Six people died in Gwalior alone on Sunday.

In Uttar Pradesh, the capital city of Lucknow was cooler, recording a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.

The national capital recorded a maximum of 41.1 degrees - lower than the 44C recorded Sunday. But this offered no respite to hapless residents as the humidity level jumped from 50 percent Sunday to 73 percent Monday.

"It's so humid," said an exasperated commuter. "The heat plus the humidity is nearly killing us. It's the worst summer I have ever experienced in Delhi."

"Early this morning it was actually a little pleasant but as the day advanced so did the humidity," said Savita Kumar, a housewife.