Latest Weather and Haze Situation

Dry weather continued over the southern ASEAN region today, except for showers observed over Peninsular Malaysia as well as the northern parts of Sumatra and Borneo. Widespread hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Moderate to dense smoke plumes were observed to emanate from hotspots detected in the southern parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed over Papua. Air quality stations in parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra reported Unhealthy to Hazardous levels. The full extent of the hotspot situation over Kalimantan and Sumatra could not be determined due to obscuration by thick smoke haze and cloud cover, while the smoke haze situation over parts of the region could not be fully determined due to cloud cover. Isolated showers were observed over the northern ASEAN region, apart from the northern and central parts of the Mekong sub-region where it was relatively drier. Hotspot activity over the northern ASEAN region remained low.
Updated on 5:47 PM 18 October

Weather and Haze Outlook

Over the next few days, the southern ASEAN region is expected to remain dry, apart from Peninsular Malaysia, the northern and central parts of Sumatra, and parts of Borneo where showers are forecast. Although the showers may bring some respite, the hotspot and smoke haze situation is likely to remain elevated especially over areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions, with a continued risk of severe transboundary haze occurrence. The prevailing winds over the southern ASEAN region are expected to blow generally from the southeast to southwest, except for parts of Boneo where the winds are forecast to be light and variable in direction. Wet weather is likely to continue over the northern ASEAN region, except over the northern parts of the Mekong sub-region where relatively drier conditions are expected. Hotspot activity is forecast to stay low. The prevailing winds over the northern ASEAN region are likely to blow from the north to east, except over the northern parts of the Mekong sub-region where the winds are expected to be light and variable in direction.
Updated on 5:47 PM 18 October