Singapore could experience haze if fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify: Met Service
Singapore could experience hazy conditions if fires in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify, as dry conditions in the region are expected to persist over the coming days, the Meteorological Service Singapore said on Monday (Aug 17).
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Singapore may experience haze if fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify, with dry conditions expected to persist in the region. The Meteorological Service Singapore will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates if conditions change.
Imagine Singapore is surrounded by a big fire in Indonesia. If the fire gets worse, it can make the air in Singapore dirty and unhealthy to breathe. The Meteorological Service Singapore is watching the situation closely and will tell us if it's safe to go outside.
Analysis
Fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan Intensify
The Meteorological Service Singapore has warned that Singapore could experience hazy conditions if fires in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify. The dry conditions in the region are expected to persist over the coming days, with hotspots with smoke plumes detected mainly in southern and central Sumatra and various parts of Kalimantan.
With winds expected to blow from the southeast or southwest, smoke from regional fires could affect Singapore if the fires worsen. The National Environment Agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates if conditions change. If Singapore's 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) enters the unhealthy range, the agency will issue daily haze advisories.
The PSI crept up over the weekend, although it has remained in the moderate range. The Meteorological Service Singapore has advised residents to stay informed about the haze situation and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the haze.
Dry Conditions Persist in Singapore
Singapore has experienced a mostly dry August, with only a few days of brief showers, bringing its total rainfall well below average across the island in the first half of the month. The dry conditions were attributed to suppressed rain cloud formation caused by a dry air mass over Singapore and the surrounding region.
A Singapore think-tank warned in June that Southeast Asia faced a high risk of severe transboundary haze for the rest of 2026. In its Haze Outlook 2026 report, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said conditions are expected to peak between August and September as a strong El Nino brings about hotter and drier weather.
Implications for Singapore
The potential haze in Singapore is a concern for residents, especially those with respiratory issues. The Meteorological Service Singapore will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if conditions change. Residents are advised to stay informed about the haze situation and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the haze.
Key points
- Singapore could experience hazy conditions if fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify.
- The Meteorological Service Singapore will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates if conditions change.
- The National Environment Agency will issue daily haze advisories if the PSI enters the unhealthy range.
- Singapore has experienced a mostly dry August, with only a few days of brief showers.
- A Singapore think-tank warned in June that Southeast Asia faced a high risk of severe transboundary haze for the rest of 2026.
If the fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan are brought under control, Singapore can expect a return to normal air quality. The Meteorological Service Singapore will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if conditions change.
If the fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify, Singapore can expect hazy conditions to persist, with potential health risks for residents. The National Environment Agency will issue daily haze advisories if the PSI enters the unhealthy range.
