Raipur, March 21 (IANS) Mercury soared above 40 degrees Celsius Sunday in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur for the first time during the current season.

The temperature went past 40 degree Celsius in Raipur while state's second most populous city Bilaspur recorded 40-plus temperature for the second consecutive day Sunday afternoon, the meterological centre officials here said.

The mercury is hovering around 40 degree mark in almost the entire state but heat wave is yet to grip it.

The officials added that the state normally recorded 40-plus temperature in late last week of March but it is surprising that this year temperature has crossed 40 degree mark well ahead of the expected period.