Haze may hit Singapore in next 2 weeks as dry conditions in region expected to persist: Met Service

SINGAPORE – Singapore may experience hazy conditions in the next two weeks, as dry weather is set to continue in the surrounding region into the first fortnight of September, despite sporadic showers expected in the second week.

Haze may occur if fires in hot spots in the region intensify, and prevailing south-easterly or south-westerly winds continue, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said in its fortnightly weather advisory on Sept 1.

With the prevailing dry conditions, there has been an escalation in the hotspot and smoke haze situation in the surrounding region, it added. Dense smoke haze was observed over southern and central Sumatra and various parts of Kalimantan on most days since around Aug 21.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates if the situation changes, MSS said. NEA will provide daily haze advisories if the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index reading enter the unhealthy range of 101 to 200.

Fair and occasionally windy conditions are expected on most days, particularly during the first week of September, added the weatherman.

There may be brief thundery showers over parts of the island in the late morning and afternoon on a few days. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of September is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.

Daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 deg C and 35 deg C on most days, the weatherman said, adding that the mercury could slightly exceed 35 deg C on a few days.

Nights may also be warm and humid, with minimum temperatures staying above 27 deg C on most nights, the weatherman added.