The heat wave sweeping across Telangana has already claimed 35 lives and with the maximum temperatures expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state, the situation is not going to improve any time soon.

"We have issued heat wave alerts to all district collectors and officials concerned. People are advised not to venture out during afternoon when the temperature is at peak," Principal Secretary (Revenue) B R Meena told PTI.

"We have also asked the rural water department to be ready with sufficient water storage facilities. The toll so far reported is 35," he said.

As per Indian Metereological Department Telangana, Nalgonda witnessed the highest maximum temperature in the state of 44 degrees on Wednesday.

The previous highest temperature recorded in the state was way back on April 30, 1973 when 43 degrees Celsius was recorded in Hyderabad.