Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh remain in the grip of scorching temperatures, while similar conditions are expected to develop in the national capital and parts of Rajasthan later this week.

In Uttar Pradesh, the heat has intensified across districts, with Banda recording the highest temperature at 44.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. The state witnessed widespread dry weather, contributing to harsher conditions. Other cities also reported elevated temperatures, including Sultanpur at 43.4 degrees Celsius, Prayagraj at 43.2 degrees Celsius, and Jhansi and Hardoi at 42.5 degrees Celsius each. Lucknow registered a maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius, which was 1.1 degrees above normal.

The meteorological department has forecast that dry weather will persist across Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, with clear skies expected over Lucknow and surrounding areas. Such conditions are likely to increase discomfort and dehydration risks.

The national capital, while yet to officially record a heatwave this season, is also witnessing rising temperatures. On Tuesday, Delhi's maximum temperature settled at 38.8 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal. The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions in the city from April 22 to April 24, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures hovering around 22 degrees Celsius.

In response, authorities have introduced precautionary measures in schools across Delhi. Government, aided and private unaided recognised schools have been directed to implement a "water bell" system, where a bell will ring every 45 to 60 minutes to remind students to drink water and avoid dehydration. A buddy system has also been introduced, pairing students to monitor each other's well-being during school hours.

The advisory further instructs schools to limit outdoor assemblies or shift them to shaded or indoor areas for shorter durations. Open-air classes have been prohibited as part of the safety measures.

Neighbouring states Haryana and Punjab are also experiencing high temperatures. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius. Other cities reported similar trends, with Gurugram at 41 degrees Celsius, Sirsa also at 41 degrees Celsius, Rohtak at 40.3 degrees Celsius, Hisar at 39.6 degrees Celsius, Karnal at 39.5 degrees Celsius, and Ambala at 38.8 degrees Celsius.

Punjab reported above-normal temperatures as well. Bathinda and Faridkot both recorded maximum temperatures of 41.6 degrees Celsius, while Chandigarh saw the mercury rise to 38 degrees Celsius.

Rajasthan is also facing rising heat, with several cities recording temperatures above seasonal averages. Kota registered the highest maximum temperature in the state at 42 degrees Celsius. Cities including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner also reported above-normal temperatures.

The weather department has issued a heatwave alert for multiple districts in Rajasthan, including Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jhunjhunu, Bharatpur and Dholpur, from April 23 onward. Heatwave conditions are expected to set in across parts of the state from Thursday.

In contrast, Himachal Pradesh has seen relatively milder conditions, with dry weather prevailing since Monday evening. However, the Shimla meteorological office has forecast a wet spell between April 24 and April 27. A yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi on April 25.

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, seasonal migration has begun under challenging conditions. Hundreds of Gujjar and Bakerwal families have started their traditional biannual movement towards highland pastures in the Chenab Valley. The migration, which began last week, is taking place despite unseasonal snowfall in higher-altitude areas, making the journey more difficult for the nomadic communities and their livestock.