Patna, May 28 (IANS) There will no respite from the heat wave condition in Bihar in the 24 hours till Friday evening, with mercury touching 41.7 degree Celsius in Gaya district, the hottest place in the state and Patna recording 39.0 degree Celsius, met officials said Thursday.

Met officials predicted no change in the day temperatures, adding: "There is no sign of rainfall".

"People will have to wait for a few more days to get any respite from the prevailing severe heatwave, met office director A.K. Sen said.

Vayas ji, the principal secretary of the state disaster management department told IANS that heat wave has claimed one life so far. However, unofficial reports reaceived from different parts of state said that at least two dozen people have died in the last one week due to heat wave.

According to Sen, the temperature might drop over the weekend that will give the people some relief.

For the past few days, roads and streets in Patna remained deserted during the peak afternoon hours and people were seen moving in search of trees and other shelter to escape from scorching sun.

With schools closing for the summer vacation May 12 following an earthquake, children have been enjoying themselves inside their houses.