The northern state of Uttar Pradesh -- one of India's most impoverished -- was the worst hit with nine deaths, even though the mercury went down a few notches since Saturday to 38.4 degrees Celsius (101.12 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the desert state of Rajasthan, four beggars were found dead, police said.

Five people died in northern Punjab state, while a woman succumbed to heatstroke in central India.

Eighteen people died of sunstroke on Saturday, taking the overall toll since the end of April to 72, PTI said.

On Saturday, the Indian capital New Delhi recorded the hottest day this year at 44.9 degrees Celsius.