Media outlets in India are reporting that intensely hot weather has left more than 100 people dead in the country's northern and eastern regions.

Indian weather authorities say daytime highs reached 44.8 degrees Celsius on Monday in the eastern states of Odisha and Jharkhand.

Temperatures have topped 40 degrees for days in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where at least 68 people have reportedly been confirmed dead and more than 400 hospitalized for heatstroke and other conditions.

In the eastern state of Bihar, 45 people have died.

The central government's health minister convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss measures to curb the impact of the scorching weather.

Meteorologists forecast the heat wave will continue because the rainy season is arriving later than usual.

Authorities are urging people to stay indoors during daytime and keep well-hydrated.