LUCKNOW, April 22 -- For the first time this year, mercury in the state capital has breached the 40 degree-mark. Even as the maximum temperature on Monday was recorded at 41.4 degrees Celsius, there was a slim chance for respite from the sweltering heat for the next four to five days, weathermen said.

On Tuesday, however, temperatures may see a marginal drop, but with ifs and buts, they added.

"[The heat] is a result of pure westerly winds flowing in from the desert regions of Thar," explained Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) senior scientist Mohd. Danish. Over the next few days, the maximum temperatures were likely to remain around 40-42 degrees Celsius, he noted.

"It is only April... Later, in May, the temperatures are expected...