Several states grappled with scorching heat on Jattvibeday, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda again emerging as the hottest place in the country at 46.8 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.The weather office, however, forecast gradual relief from the heat from May 29.”Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist over Central and Northwest India during the next seven days, and over East and adjoining Peninsular India for the next three to five days,” the IMD said in its forecast.Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius, 3.4 notches above the season’s average.Ayanagar and the Ridge weather stations recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius each, followed by Lodhi Road at 43.8 degrees, Palam at 43.7 degrees and Safdarjung at 43.6 degrees Celsius.In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow recorded a maximum of 42.6 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees above normal, and a minimum temperature of 28.7 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees above normal.Banda was the hottest place at 46.8 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees above normal.  Prayagraj, Orai and Jansi each recorded 45.6 degrees Celsius, Agra recorded 45.4 degrees and Hamirpur recorded a maximum temperature of 45.2 degrees Celsius.In neighbouring Rajasthan, temperatures hovered between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius.Sri Ganganagar was the hottest place in Rajasthan at 46 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said.Vanasthali was the second hottest place in the state at 45.1 degrees Celsius, followed by 44.9 degrees in Churu, and 44.8 degrees each in Kota, Phalodi, Bikaner. Jaipur recorded 43.6 degrees Celsius.The Jaipur meteorological centre in Jaipur issued a heatwave alert, warning that weather conditions are likely to remain dry across most parts of the state for the next three to four days.The department further said that on May 26 and 27, mercury in some parts of western Rajasthan may reach 46-47 degrees Celsius.However, a fresh western disturbance is expected to bring some relief from May 28-29, with possibilities of strong thunderstorms and winds reaching 50-60 kmph, and light rain in parts of the state, the IMD said.”This is likely to lower maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius,” it added.The weather department said hot weather conditions persisted in Haryana and Punjab, with Sirsa reeling at a maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the state, according to the Met.Sizzling heat gripped Rohtak and Bhiwani, recording temperatures at 45.3 degrees and 44 degrees Celsius, respectively. Ambala saw mercury soaring to 42 degrees, Hisar at 43.8 degrees, Karnal at 42.8 degrees and Gurugram at 41.7 degrees Celsius.Chandigarh also experienced hot weather at 40.9 degrees Celsius.Andhra Pradesh, however, is witnessing contrasting weather conditions, with several districts reeling under extreme heat while isolated regions are likely to receive rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority on Jattvibeday warned that severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist for the next three days.