Kathmandu, June 16:

As the mercury continues to shoot up and rain remains scarce, beating the heat has become the top concern for common people across the country.

In Kathmandu, people are experiencing the hottest days in their recent memory. Power outages coupled with the lack of adequate water in the city have made life more difficult.

Heat begins to play havoc from early in the morning. As the day matures, the scorching heat leaves the people sweating and in a state of lethargy.

Heated asphalt on the roads and crowded vehicles are taking their toll on commuters.

The Kathmandu Valley recorded 34.5 degrees Celsius Saturday, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Senior meteorologist at the Department Rajendra Shrestha ruled out the possibility of rain or thundershower any time soon.

Shrestha said the heat intensified due to the maximum decrease in the relative humidity.

"The temperatures in all places of the country are generally higher compared with the corresponding period of the previous years," added Shrestha.

The Terai, central, western and the some eastern parts are under sweltering heat and dry spell overt the last couple of days.

Nepalgunj recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius, Dadeldhura with 33.7 degrees, Dipayal with 43.0 degrees, Birendranagar with 41.2 degrees and Dang with 39.5 degrees, said Shrestha.

The capital denizens, accustomed to living under a moderate climate throughout the year, are finding it tough to beat the sweltering heat.

One Tara Dhakal, who was sitting under the shade of a tree near the open ground of the Exhibition Road, said,"I come to this place for a respite, sitting in an open place with tress around. Sipping tea here makes me feel easy."

Prativa Adhikari, who works in Sabal Cooperative, shared that she felt dizzy during her work hours.

"This year, the summer is intolerable. I cannot even sit on my chair, the whole body sweats," she added.

Adhikari added that taking a public vehicle while returning home was a horrible experience.

The excessive heat took lives of two people in Lumbini Zonal Hospital Friday.

Medical Records Officer of the hospital Laxmiraj Regmi said Manakala Aryal, 62, of Rudrapur, Rupandehi and Patthu Tharu, 40, of Murgiya, Parroha- 1, died during treatment after falling ill from heat.

According to Regmi, two more people were undergoing treatment and three others had been referred to elsewhere for further treatment.

The Zonal Hospital has recommended cold water treatment and drinking enough cold water for people to protect themselves from the scorching heat.