New Delhi: Summer sweat is here to stay in North India as most of the states are in the grip of a severe heat wave that shows no signs of cooling off. Punjab and Rajasthan recorded scorching temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius while the met department says the mercury is expected to rise even further.

“We cannot step out without covering our face. School going children face a lot of problem,” says Punjab resident Bhupinder as he sips into refreshing glassful of ganna juice at a local corner.

In Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, temperatures are more than five degrees above normal in several places. Even in the hills, there’s no respite. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 29.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday—the hottest day of the month, while Jammu had a high of 40.6 degrees Celsius.

But as always, some people are making hay while the sun shines. "These cotton turbans absorb all the sweat and heat. The wet turban acts as an air conditioner in the scorching sun," says Sher Singh, a turban seller in Rajasthan.

“Since April 15 I have been doing good business. As the temperature has gone above 40 degrees (Celsius) the business is roaring," says ice factory owner, Amanpreet.

Officials from the Meteorological Department say conditions are likely to persist for some time. So if you thought April was the cruelest month, just wait till tomorrow.