At least nine people have died of suspected heat stroke in India's western state of Rajasthan, media said on Friday, with temperatures expected to soar further amid predictions of a severe heat wave.

Met Department said maximum daytime temperatures in several districts of these states may breach the 47°C-mark

At least six people died of heat stroke related incidents in parts of Rajasthan on Friday. Three deaths were reported from Balotra district, and one each from Bhilwara, Bikaner, and Jodhpur, according to an official report of the State Calamity,

At least 16 places in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh recorded maximum temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or above Thursday. The heat wave will continue for at least five more days,

Data showed that at least 16 places in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, Gujarat, and MP recorded maximum temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius on Thursday.