Temperatures cross 50C in northern India

Temperatures have crossed 50C (120F) in parts of northern and central India as the country grapples with extreme heatwave conditions.

This week, more than 37 cities in the country recorded temperatures over 45C (113F).

On Wednesday, temperature in the capital Delhi hit a record-breaking 52.3C (126.1F) .

India's weather office has issued a severe heatwave alert for parts of the city.

A consumer court in Delhi stopped hearing cases on Tuesday, after the judge said it was too hot to work without air conditioning.

Churu in the western state of Rajasthan and Sirsa in the northern Haryana state were among the hottest places in the country, with temperatures over 50C (120F).

Rajasthan's Jaipur city reported three deaths due to heat stroke on Tuesday.

Indian summers, which extend from March to September, are usually hot and humid.

But the weather department has said the country is likely to experience longer and more intense heatwaves this year.

This month, the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat saw nine to 12 days of heatwave, with temperatures between 45-50C, it said.

In June, maximum temperatures are likely to remain above normal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said this week, adding that northwestern India is expected to see heatwave conditions for four to six days compared with three normally.

The IMD has also predicted an above-average monsoon season for the country this year.

The monsoon is forecast to hit the coast of the southern state of Kerala on 31 May.

Source: BBC