Even as heat wave conditions scorch parts of north-western India, some relief is expected later this week, with the weather department forecasting light rain in parts of Punjab and Haryana.According to a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday, the weather is likely to remain dry over the next five days, after which light rain is expected at isolated places in the two states on April 26 and 27.Heat wave conditions are likely to persist at many places in the region from April 21 to 24. A gradual rise in maximum temperature by 3-4 degrees Celsius is expected during the next five days, with no significant change thereafter.During the past 24 hours, the highest maximum temperature in Haryana was recorded at 43.5 degrees Celsius in Bhiwani, while the lowest minimum temperature was 18 degrees Celsius in Karnal.In Punjab, the highest maximum temperature during this period was 41 degrees Celsius in Bathinda, while the lowest minimum temperature was 18.4 degrees Celsius in Nawanshahar. The IMD has categorised the day temperatures in both states as “appreciably above normal”.The IMD has also predicted that a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from April 23. The western disturbance prevailing over Jammu and Kashmir and its neighbourhood at 3.1 km above sea level has become less marked. Western disturbances are the prime reason for rain during the non-monsoon period.Spring rain so far this year has been above normal by 34 per cent in Haryana and 28 per cent in Punjab. From March 1 to April 21, Haryana received 30.2 mm rain against the long period average of 22.5 mm, while Punjab received 43.5 mm against the average of 34.1 mm.Additionally, isolated to scattered light to moderate rain or snow with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds is likely over Jammu and Kashmir and on April 24 and 25, and over Himachal Pradesh on April 25 and 26, which may also impact the temperatures over the plains.