New Delhi  - Intense heat wave conditions persisted in large parts of northern, eastern and western India Thursday with temperatures shooting up to 47 degrees Centigrade in some places in the western state of Maharashtra.

At least two persons died in the eastern state of Orissa over the past 24 hours, raising the heat wave toll in the state over the past month to 67, IANS news agency reported.

The mercury has hovered around 45 degrees Centigrade in Orissa for over a week.

India's Meteorological Department forecast severe heat wave conditions for at least another two days in parts of the northern state of Rajasthan and the western state of Gujarat.

It said heat wave conditions were also likely in parts of Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi and Punjab.

The mercury hit 43.5 degrees in the national capital Wednesday making it the hottest day in April in 50 years. (dpa)