Heat wave to persist this week

This situation has already sparked some worry among Malaysians, some who have taken their rants online, with fears of more dire consequences.

The dry spell that began since late January has not only caused a series of bush fires nationwide but have also sparked concerns over depleting water levels in dams.

There has also been a reported drop in the country's air quality with several states experiencing hazy conditions.

According to the Meteorological Department, the highest temperature levels recorded this week in the Peninsular reached 36 degrees Celsius, one notch higher than that recorded last week.

However the Department’s central forecasting division director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah downplayed the public’s worries, saying that it was normal for February to be a ‘dry month’.

“Although the current temperatures are quite high, it is still within the normal range. We feel very hot and uncomfortable because it is dry,” Muhammad Helmi told Astro AWANI.

He added the temperature is similar to that recorded during the same period in 2013.

However he has called on all parties to continue to be prepared and the relevant authorities to continue monitoring for possible forest or bush fires.

The water levels at dams he said could also be affected by the current weather condition.

Muhammad Helmi said that the situation for certain states are worse than others, especially in some Northern states that has gone more than 30 days without rain.

“Several areas in the Northern states such as Arau, Kubang Pasu, Padang Besar and Langkawi have not experienced rain for the past 23 to 30 days," he said.

However, he added that light showers in Coastal states such as Perak and Pahang would likely help situation.

It was previously reported that the hot spell has been on the rise, with more than 300 reported cases nationwide since Monday. This had began in late January.

As of today, the skies in 16 states recorded moderate Air Polutant Index (API) readings. The highest API reading was recorded in Banting at 76, followed by Bakar Arang in Sg Petani, Kedah at 68 and Taiping at 61.

API readings between 0 to 50 are considered good, while 51 to 100 are moderate. Readings 101 and above are unhealthy and anything above 300 is dangerous.

Previously Muar Johor, recorded an unhealthy API reading of 107.