Singapore could experience hazy conditions during the first half of September, with the weather also expected to remain mostly dry and temperatures possibly climbing above 35°C.
The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said on 1 September that the risk of haze depends on whether fires in the surrounding region intensify and whether the prevailing winds transport the smoke towards Singapore.
Southwest Monsoon conditions are currently prevailing, with winds expected to blow mainly from the south-east or south-west over the coming fortnight.
Dense Smoke Haze Seen Over Sumatra and Kalimantan
Dry conditions have already caused the hotspot and smoke haze situation around the region to worsen.
According to MSS, dense smoke haze was detected over southern and central Sumatra, as well as various parts of Kalimantan, on most days from around 21 August.
Although sporadic showers could develop during the second week of September, much of the surrounding region is still expected to remain dry.
That means Singapore could get haze if regional fires become more intense while winds are blowing in our direction.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said it will continue monitoring the situation and issue updates if conditions change.
If Singapore’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index, or PSI, enters the Unhealthy range, NEA will begin issuing daily haze advisories.
A PSI reading of 101 to 200 is classified as Unhealthy.
Singapore came close to that threshold recently. On 24 August, the 24-hour PSI in central Singapore climbed to 98 at 9pm.
The Straits Times reported that Singapore’s PSI had last reached the Unhealthy range during a haze episode in October 2023.
Temperatures Could Go Above 35°C
The first half of September is also forecast to be relatively hot and dry.
Fair and occasionally windy weather is expected on most days, particularly during the first week.
There could still be short thundery showers over some parts of Singapore in the late morning or afternoon on a few days, but overall rainfall for the fortnight is expected to be below average across most of the island.
Daily maximum temperatures are forecast to reach between 33°C and 35°C on most days.
On a few days, temperatures could rise slightly above 35°C.
Nights are not expected to offer much relief either, with minimum temperatures likely to stay above 27°C on most nights.
Singapore has already had a hot second half of August. MSS said daily maximum temperatures exceeded 34°C on most days from 17 to 31 August, with the highest temperature of 35.5°C recorded at Seletar on 25 August.
For current air quality, NEA advises the public to check the one-hour PM2.5 reading when deciding whether to carry out outdoor activities in the next few hours. The 24-hour PSI and related health advisories are more useful when planning activities for the following day.
