A brief spell of light rains in capital Delhi, however, failed to bring much relief with the mercury level stubbornly staying above normal.
The maximum temperature was recorded at 40.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, while the minimum settled at 31 degrees Celsius.
After simmering for over a month under an intense hot spell, the desert state of Rajasthan heaved a sigh of relief with the mercury level dropping marginally in many places.
Churu remained the hottest in the state with a day temperature of 42.3 degrees Celsius, while SriGanganagar and Bikaner recorded maximums of 41.6 and 39.7 degrees Celsius respectively.
According to the MeT department the temperature in many parts of the state dropped below 40 degrees Celsius, bringing respite to people.
Kota, Barmer and Jaipur recorded a high of 39.4, 39 and 38.7 degrees Celsius respectively, it said.
The heat wave ebbed marginally in Punjab and Haryana as well with the temperature recording a drop of up to three notches.
However, a high humidity level of up to 60 per cent played spoilsport and forced most people to remain indoors.
Amritsar was the hottest in the region with a high of 41.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, while Hisar and Ludhiana recorded maximums of 40.6 degrees and 38.7 degrees Celsius respectively, both a notch each above normal.
Among other places, temperatures at Ambala and Patiala settled at an identical high of 38.1 degrees Celsius, a degree above normal, while Chandigarh saw a maximum of 37 degrees Celsius. MORE
