Singapore haze expected to ease due to shifting winds and rain

The haze situation in Singapore is expected to improve as inter-monsoon conditions set in and the southwest monsoon weakens. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), the shift from persistent southeasterly or southwesterly winds to light and variable winds will make it less likely for smoke from regional fires to be transported toward the island.

Increased rainfall is expected to assist in suppressing haze. The National Environment Agency (NEA) forecast showers over Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Singapore for October 30. During the first two weeks of November, moderate to heavy thundery showers are anticipated on most afternoons, with total rainfall expected to be slightly above the long-term average.

While skies have been clearer since October 26, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remaining in the good to moderate range, fires continue to burn in Indonesia. Specifically, the NEA noted moderate to dense smoke haze over Kalimantan. However, the number of fire hotspots in Indonesia appears to have dropped recently due to rainfall.