Temperatures in India's capital soared to a record-high 49.9 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the government's weather bureau said.

The India Meteorological Department, which reported "severe heat-wave conditions", recorded the temperatures at two New Delhi suburb stations at Narela and Mungeshpur.

Forecasters predict similar temperatures on Wednesday.

In May 2022, parts of New Delhi hit 49.2 degrees Celsius.

India is no stranger to searing summer temperatures.

But scientists have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.

New Delhi authorities also warned of the risk of water shortages as the capital swelters in an intense heatwave -- cutting supplies to some areas.

India's Water Minister Atishi Marlena called for "collective responsibility" to stop wasteful water use, the Times of India newspaper reported Wednesday. (AFP)