Southeast Asia's Haze Set to Return, Expected to Be Severe This Year
En resumen
- Southeast Asia's annual haze is predicted to return with severity in August and September, according to the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
- An impending El Nino and positive Indian Ocean Dipole are expected to cause a dry spell, exacerbating air quality issues.
Resumen generado por IA
Por qué importa
Southeast Asia experiences annual haze disruptions, typically linked to land and forest fires. This year's event is anticipated to be severe due to climate phenomena.
Southeast Asia’s haze is on the way back and this year’s event is expected to be “severe”, according to the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), which has been tracking the region’s haze disruptions for almost a decade.
August and September are projected to be the worst months and in turn the worst time of the year to visit, with air turning eye-wateringly and lung-cloggingly unpleasant.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health is telling visitors to expect “irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat” during the haze. And while effects can vary depending on a person’s overall health, anyone out and about for extended periods of time should wear an N95 mask.
While much of the region is seeing daily downpours, a dry spell is expected later in the year due to the combination of an imminent El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, a climate phenomenon marked by warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures.
Qué observar
Perspectiva de IA — posibilidades, no hechos
August and September will be the worst months for haze.
Muy probable · En meses
Preguntas abiertas
- What specific regions will be most affected by the haze?
- What measures are being taken to mitigate the haze?
