India, May 25 -- Several states grappled with scorching heat on Sunday, with Brahmapuri in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra emerging as the hottest place in the country at 47.2 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

The weather office, however, forecast gradual relief from the heat from May 29. "Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are expected to persist over Central & Northwest India during the next 7 days, and over East & adjoining Peninsular India for the next 3-5 days," the IMD said in its forecast.

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius, 3.4 notches above the seasonal average.

Ayanagar and the Ridge weather stations recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius each, followed by Lodhi Road...