Will Sumatra and Kalimantan fires cause haze in Singapore?

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Sumatra and Kalimantan Fires Could Lead to Haze in Singapore

Singapore may experience hazy conditions if fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify, as dry weather is expected to persist across the region. Hotspots with visible smoke plumes have been observed in key Indonesian provinces. Prevailing wind patterns could then carry this smoke towards Singapore.
Intensification of Fires and Dry Conditions

Hotspots exhibiting smoke plumes have been primarily identified in the southern and central regions of Sumatra, as well as various parts of Kalimantan. These observations are occurring amidst a backdrop of continuous dry weather conditions, which are anticipated to persist over the coming days. This persistent dryness increases the risk of fires escalating in both scale and intensity.
Prevailing Wind Patterns and Potential Haze Impact

The current weather patterns over Singapore and the surrounding region are characterised by Southwest Monsoon conditions. This means that winds are predominantly expected to blow from the southeast or southwest. Should the fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify, these prevailing winds would likely transport smoke plumes across the maritime border, leading to potentially hazy conditions in Singapore.
Monitoring and Advisory Measures

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is actively monitoring the situation. The agency has stated that it will continue to closely track developments and issue daily haze advisories if the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) enters the unhealthy range. This proactive monitoring aims to keep the public informed and prepared should the air quality deteriorate.
Projected Rainfall and Seasonal Conditions

In addition to the dry spell, the forecast for the second fortnight of August indicates that total rainfall across most parts of the island is expected to be below average. While localised short-duration thundery showers may occur over parts of Singapore during the late mornings and afternoons on some days, these are not anticipated to significantly alleviate the overall dry conditions or mitigate the potential impact of fires from neighbouring regions.

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Will Sumatra and Kalimantan fires cause haze in Singapore?

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