Blistering heat in India killed at least 21 people on Sunday, bringing the death toll in two days to 39. Most were victims of heat stroke.
Worst hit were the northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, where temperatures soared to record highs. In New Delhi, which lies between the two states, temperatures were up to 45 degrees Celsius. Weather experts say they expect the intense heat to last for at least two more days.
In neighboring Pakistan, scorching heat left at least 13 dead in eastern Punjab province. In the provincial capital, Lahore, the temperature hit 48 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists have forecast hot and dry weather for the coming week.