New Report: There Might Be “Severe Haze” in Singapore from June to Oct 2023

By
Boon Hun
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While the hot weather we’re experiencing nowadays may be good news for durian lovers, it’s not the same on the hazy front.

According to the latest report published by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), we’ll likely experience “severe haze” in Singapore from June to October 2023.

Yes, guys, it’s time to turn on the Singapore Flyer at full speed once again.

Here’s what you need to know.

New SIIA Report Says There Might Be “Severe Haze” in Singapore from June to Oct 2023

On 21 June 2023, the SIIA released a new report warning people in Singapore about the risk of severe haze.

According to the non-profit organisation, they came to this conclusion based on three factors:

  1. An increased chance of forest and peat fires going out of control due to a heatwave
  2. Government policies currently in place
  3. Market conditions which may cause smaller plantation owners to carry out irresponsible burnings

SIIA started publishing the Annual Haze Report back in 2019. This is the first time, however, the outlook is so pessimistic, according to Associate Professor Tay, chairman of the institute.

25% Chance of Super El Nino Happening 

If you’ve been feeling warm lately, it’s not you or the heatiness within your body; it’s the weather.

Previously, Singapore’s very own weathermen, the Meteorological Service of Singapore (MSS) said that El Nino conditions are developing in the region.

While there’s a lot of scientific explanation that goes into the phenomenon, here’s essentially what you need to know: It’s going to be warmer and drier.

According to the SIIA, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (US NOAA) forecasted that there’s a 84% chance that El Nino will last longer, and a 25% chance that a super El Nino will develop.

In other words, the warm and dry spell will be longer and could be hotter as well.

All in all, it doesn’t speak well for our haze situation.

It’s Not All Bad

Okay, before you start stocking up on N95 masks like we did toilet paper, there’s a silver lining.

It will be bad, but may not be as bad as the 2015 haze situation.

Back in 2015, schools had to close and more than 40,000 people got sick due to the air pollution.

This is thanks to the stronger policies that the Indonesia government has put into place, including fire suppression and fire prevention.

If the El Nino conditions are not as severe, and the right policies are in place, the haze situation could be more like 2019, according to Assoc Prof Tay.

Granted, the haze situation in 2019 wasn’t a bed of roses as well. Singapore suffered from an air quality index (AQI) of 150, which is considered “unhealthy” for everyone.

Are You Prepared For The Haze?

Given the looming threat of hazy skies and the smell of something burning in the air, it is wise to be prepared to deal with the haze well before it hits our shores.

Especially if you have a pre-existing condition such as asthma which may be aggravated by the haze.

You can monitor the air quality and hotspots at the website https://www.haze.gov.sg/, including 1-hour PM2.5 and 24-hour PSI readings. These measurements will help you ascertain the air quality and aid in your decision of whether to go outdoors or stay inside with your windows shut.

The government is also not standing idle in its preparation to combat the impending poor weather. The Inter-Agency Haze Task Force (HTF) has started to take action, including advising members of the public to ensure that they have sufficient N95 face masks.

Another alternative is to purchase air purifiers in good working condition.

If you require more details on how to protect yourself against haze, you may wish to keep an eye out on the National Environment Agency’s website and social media channels for the latest updates. For more information on El Nino events, visit http://www.weather.gov.sg/climate-el-la.

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Boon Hun
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