The heat wave conditions have returned to North India after a brief gap. Maximum temperature soared above 40 degrees Celsius in most parts of the region.

Though light and sporadic rains had brought down temperatures in the last couple of days in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the heat wave returned to the region, with maximum temperatures hovering around 42 degrees Celsius.

A humid afternoon marked the return of the hot spell to the national capital yesterday, with the maximum temperature touching 41.8 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal.

In Rajasthan, hot and sultry conditions continued to grip the state. Churu was the hottest place, recording 44.4 degrees Celsius.

In Uttar Pradesh, the temperature has strated rising again amid the prediction of a delyaed monsoon. The met office says that the South-Western Monsoon is expected to reach Bay of Bengal in next two days.

Pre-monsoon showers lashed several parts of Mumbai and its suburbs yesterday, bringing respite from heat.