New Delhi, March 16 -- Severe heatwave conditions have begun sweeping across eastern and western India unusually early in the season, with temperatures exceeding 40degC in several regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned on Saturday.

At least last year, the first such severe heatwave conditions were recorded only in early April.

Areas experiencing heatwave to severe heatwave conditions include Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Odisha, Saurashtra, Kutch, Telangana, and Rayalaseema, with Jharsuguda in Odisha recording the country's highest temperature at 41.8degC on Friday. On Saturday, the highest temperature across the country was recorded at Boudh in Odisha at 42.5degC.

"It is still early for severe heat wave episodes. Bu...