Latest Weather and Haze Situation

Dry weather persisted over the southern ASEAN region today, apart from the northern and central parts of Sumatra, parts of Peninsular Malaysia and the northern parts of Borneo where there were showers. Widespread hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra, while few hotspots were detected in Sarawak. Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed over parts of Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi and Papua. Several quality stations in southern and eastern Kalimantan as well as southern and central 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. Wet weather was observed over the Mekong sub-region, except over the northeastern and central parts of the Mekong sub-region where it was relatively drier. Few hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region, but not significant smoke plumes were observed.
Updated on 5:55 PM 20 October

Weather and Haze Outlook

Over the next few days, dry weather is expected to persist over the southern ASEAN region, except over Peninsular Malaysia, the northern and central parts of Sumatra and the northern parts of Borneo where showers are forecast. While 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 east-southeast to the southwest. Wet weather is forecast over the northern ASEAN region, except over the parts of central Mekong sub-region where it is likely to be relatively drier. Hotspot activity is expected to remain low. The prevailing winds over the Mekong sub-region are forecast to blow from the northeast to southeast, except over the northern parts of the Mekong sub-region where the winds are likely to be light and variable in direction. The winds over the Philippines are expected to be strong and blow from the southwest to northwest under the influence of Typhoon Champi.
Updated on 5:55 PM 20 October