<br/>The India Meteorological Department has issued a heat wave alert for Central Maharashtra, Marathwada, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana.<br/><br/>An IMD official said today that the mercury is likely to soar further at some places in Central Maharashtra and Marathwada since north India is witnessing severe heat wave like conditions, .<br/>''<br/>The IMD said, the heat wave is the result of an anti-cyclone over Pakistan and western Rajasthan, the impact of which is being felt across the northern plains. <br/>'<br/>In Rajasthan, Sriganganagar district was the hottest place today with 46.8 degree Celsius temperature. <br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that normal life has been affected badly in the state as day temperatures at most of the places scored high to average. Sriganganagar was followed by Churu where maximum temperature was recorded 46 degree Celsius. All the border's districts witnessed temperature above 43 degree Celsius. <br/><br/>Bikaner recorded 45 degree, Jaisalmer recorded 44.5 degree and Jodhpur recorded 43 degree Celsius maximum temperature. Tourism activities have also been affected in the capital Jaipur as tourist spots witnessed a very less presence of the tourists. <br/><br/>Heatwave conditions at isolated places are very likely over the lower reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during next 2 to 3 days. The IMD has also issued a thunderstorm warning over Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.<br/>