SINGAPORE – Hot spot activity in the southern ASEAN region, which includes Singapore, has increased recently, signaling the onset of the dry season expected to last until September, according to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).
ASMC reported issuing its lowest Alert Level 1 for the region on July 17 after detecting 33 hot spots on July 15 and 44 on July 16. Localized smoke plumes were observed emanating from several hot spots in Sumatra on some days, and many parts of the southern ASEAN region have been experiencing drier weather.
“This is due to a strengthening of the prevailing south-west monsoon, which causes the monsoon rainband to move further north of the equator, away from the region,” ASMC explained.
Currently, conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean remain neutral, unaffected by either the El Niño or La Niña climate phenomena. However, ASMC indicated a possibility of wetter La Niña conditions developing in the second half of 2024.
Based on the latest climate outlook, ASMC anticipates above-normal rainfall over most parts of the southern ASEAN region in the coming months. Despite this, there remains a risk of hot spot and smoke haze development in fire-prone areas, particularly during drier periods.
ASMC advised early precautionary and mitigation measures to prevent fires and transboundary haze in the region. For more updates on regional weather, smoke haze situations, and early warnings, visit the ASMC website.