As of Tuesday, more than 2,300 people in India have died due to extreme heat.
The southern Indian state of Andra Pradesh has been the most effected, where CNN reports the death toll now totals more than 1,700, with 42 deaths in just the past 24 hours, and the neighboring state of Telangana has seen nearly 600 deaths.
Temperatures have reportedly reached as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the country, while much-needed rainfall has dropped the temperature in New Delhi down to 95.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to The Indian Express, the number of reported deaths jumped shortly after the government announced relatives of heatwave victims would receive 100,000 rupees.
The government has warned citizens to drinks lots of water and use umbrellas to protect their bodies from heat if they need to go outside.
According to USA Today, a significant portion of the population is made up of wage workers who can’t afford to stop working and stay home.
With the death toll climbing, this is now the deadliest heat wave in India ever.
The country’s second deadliest heat wave came in 1998, when just over 2,500 peopleperished. The deadliest heat wave in the world occurred in 2003 when more than 71,000 people died across Europe.
India usually sees its hottest months from April through the end of May before monsoon season strikes in the beginning of June.
Relief from the heat is expected to come Friday, when forecasters predict monsoon rains will hit India, which is later than most years.