Advisory

Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

Northeast Monsoon conditions have been firmly established over the northern ASEAN region since early-Dec 2023 with the prevailing winds blowing predominantly from the northeast or east. In recent days, dry weather conditions were observed over the Mekong sub-region with gradually increasing hotspot counts. There were a total of 52 and 43 hotspots detected in the Mekong sub-region on 12 Dec 2023 and 13 Dec 2023 respectively.

As the dry conditions over the northern ASEAN region are likely to persist in the coming months, the hotspot and smoke haze situation over the region is expected to deteriorate.

ASMC Media Release - Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

End of Dry Season for the southern ASEAN region

In recent days, widespread shower activities have helped to further suppress the overall hotspot and smoke haze situation over the southern ASEAN region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, 18 and 36 hotspots were detected in Sumatra on 12 and 13 November 2023 respectively, and 3 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on both days.

The hotspot and haze situation over the southern ASEAN region is expected to remain subdued as shower activities are forecast to continue in the coming months. However, isolated hotspots and localised smoke plumes may still develop in fire-prone areas during brief periods of relatively drier weather.

Downgrade of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 for the southern ASEAN region

In recent days, increased rainfall has helped to improve the overall hotspot and smoke haze situation over the southern ASEAN region. While this has reduced the risk of transboundary haze occurrence, isolated hotspots and localised smoke plumes may still develop in fire-prone areas during brief periods of dry weather.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 57 and 47 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and a total of 5 and 8 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 22 and 23 October 2023, respectively. The hotspot and haze situation over the southern ASEAN region is expected to further improve as more rainfall is forecast in the coming weeks.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for Sumatra

Over the past week, extended dry weather conditions have become more widespread across the southern ASEAN region, which contributed to an increase in the number of hotspots in the region. Based on surveillance from the NOAA-20 satellite, 241 and 145 hotspots were detected in Sumatra on 27 and 28 September 2023 respectively. Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed to emanate from clusters of hotspots detected in central and southern parts of Sumatra.

While some isolated showers are forecast for Sumatra in the coming days, dry weather is expected to persist in parts of central and southern Sumatra, with the prevailing winds likely to continue blowing from the southeast or southwest. Under these conditions, the hotspot and smoke haze situation there could worsen, with an increased risk of transboundary smoke haze occurrence.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for Kalimantan

In recent days, prevailing dry weather conditions over the southern ASEAN region have resulted in an escalation in hotspot and smoke haze activities. Based on satellite surveillance, moderate smoke haze was observed to emanate from clusters of hotspots detected in the western and southern parts of Kalimantan. In particuar, transboundary haze was observed to drift northwards from the hotspot clusters in West Kalimantan into western Sarawak in East Malaysia. 359 and 393 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 26 and 27 July 2023 respectively from the NOAA-20 satellite.

The prevailing dry weather conditions are forecast to continue over Kalimantan in the coming days, with the prevailing winds likely to blow from the southeast or southwest. Under these conditions, the hotspot and smoke haze situation could worsen with an increased risk of transboundary smoke haze occurrence.

Start of Dry Season for the Southern ASEAN Region

Southwest Monsoon conditions have been gradually established over the southern ASEAN region, with the prevailing winds blowing predominantly from the southeast or southwest. Over the past week, dry weather persisted over many parts of the region, and isolated hotspots with occasional smoke plumes were observed. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 14 and 13 hotspots were detected in the southern ASEAN region on 27 and 28 May 2023, respectively.

Over the next several months, extended periods of dry weather can be expected over many parts of the southern ASEAN region. The likely return of El Niño conditions in the second half of the year will further exacerbate the dry season, and extending it into October 2023. An escalation in hotspot activity and smoke haze development can be expected during this period, with an increased risk of transboundary haze occurrence.

ASMC Media Release - Start of Dry Season for the Southern ASEAN Region

End of Dry Season for the Mekong Sub-Region

In recent days, more persistent and widespread rainfall was observed across the Mekong sub-region, which kept the overall hotspot and smoke haze situation subdued. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 169 and 86 hotspots were detected in the sub-region on 22 and 23 May 2023, respectively.

With the Southwest Monsoon firmly established, continued shower activities are forecast over most parts of the Mekong sub-region in the coming months. Hotspot and smoke haze activities are likely to remain suppressed during this period.

Downgrade to Alert Level 1 for the Mekong Sub-Region

With an increase in shower activities over many parts of the Mekong sub-region in recent days, there has been further improvement to the overall hotspot and haze situation in the sub-region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 500 and 123 hotspots were detected in the sub-region on 7 and 8 May 2023, respectively.

In the coming days, more showers are expected over the Mekong sub-region. Some areas in the northern and western parts of the sub-region may still experience brief periods of drier weather and hotspot activity. However, the risk of transboundary haze is assessed to be low due to rainy conditions and prevailing winds that are generally light and variable in direction.

Downgrade to Alert Level 2 for the Mekong Sub-Region

In recent days, increased rainfall has helped to improve the overall hotspot and smoke haze situation over the Mekong sub-region. This has helped to reduce the extent of transboundary smoke haze in the sub-region, although elevated hotspot and smoke haze activity is still expected mainly in the drier areas of the northern and western sub-region.

A total of 919 and 676 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 22 and 23 April 2023 respectively from the NOAA-20 satellite. As more rainfall is forecast in the coming weeks, the hotspot and haze situation over the sub-region is expected to further improve.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the Mekong Sub-region

In recent days, prevailing dry weather conditions over the Mekong sub-region have resulted in an increase in hotspot activities. Based on satellite surveillance, moderate smoke haze was observed to emit from clusters of hotspots detected in the northern and eastern parts of Cambodia, as well as northern parts of Myanmar. Isolated hotspots with smoke plumes were also detected elsewhere in the Mekong sub-region. A total of 757 and 403 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 25 and 26 January 2023 respectively from the NOAA-20 satellite.

Dry weather conditions are forecast to continue over the Mekong sub-region in the coming weeks, with prevailing winds likely to blow from the northeast or east. Under these conditions, the hotspot and smoke haze situation could worsen with an increased risk of transboundary smoke haze development.

Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

Over the past week, periods of dry weather were observed over many parts of the northern ASEAN region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 96, 136 and 155 hotspots were detected in Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, respectively, between 8 and 14 Dec 2022.

With drier conditions expected to prevail over much of the northern ASEAN region in the coming weeks, increased hotspot activity and smoke haze development can be expected. The traditional dry season is expected to persist until April/May 2023.

ASMC Media Release - Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

End of Dry Season for the Southern ASEAN Region

In the past week, there have been widespread showers over most parts of the southern ASEAN region which has helped to subdue the overall hotspot activity in the region and no significant smoke haze was observed from satellite imagery. Based on NOAA-20 satellite surveillance, no hotspots were detected in the southern ASEAN region on 10 and 11 October 2022

As the prevailing wet weather is forecast to persist over the southern ASEAN region in the coming days, the hotspot activity is expected to remain subdued

Start of Dry Season for the Southern ASEAN Region

Over the past week, there have been periods of dry weather observed over many parts of southern ASEAN region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 5 and 3 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 2 and 0 hotspots were detected in Peninsular Malaysia on 29 and 30 June 2022, respectively.

With drier conditions expected to persist over much of the southern ASEAN region in the coming weeks, there remains a risk of increased hotspot activity and smoke haze development. The traditional dry season is expected to persist until October 2022.

ASMC Media Release - Start of southern ASEAN dry season

Over the past week, there have been widespread shower activities over much of the Mekong sub-region. The wet weather has helped to subdue the overall hotspot activity and no significant smoke haze was observed in recent days. The total hotspot count in the sub-region also remained low, with a total of 8 and 1 hotspots detected in the Mekong sub-region on 17 and 18 May 2022, respectively, from the NOAA-20 satellite surveillance.

With rainy weather forecast to persist over the northern ASEAN region in the coming days, hotspot and smoke haze activity is expected to remain generally subdued.

Downgrade to Alert Level 2 for the Mekong Sub-Region

In recent days, increased shower activities were observed over the Mekong sub-region which have helped to alleviate the overall hotspot and smoke haze situation there. Parts of Myanmar, northern Lao PDR and northern Thailand may still experience continued hotspot and smoke haze activity during dry periods. However the haze situation is expected to continue to improve with more rainy weather over the Mekong sub-region in the coming weeks.

A total of 2640 and 318 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 27 and 28 April 2022 respectively from the NOAA-20 satellite.

Activation of Alert Level 3 for the Mekong Sub-Region

In the past few days, persistent dry conditions over the Mekong sub-region have led to an escalation of the hotspot and smoke haze situation, with widespread moderate to dense smoke haze observed over many parts of the sub-region. Based on the surveillance by NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 3,457 and 2,031 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 9 and 10 Apr 2022 respectively.

The current dry conditions are expected to persist, with the prevailing winds forecast to be generally light and variable in direction in the coming days. Under these conditions, the overall hotspot activity and hazy conditions in the Mekong sub-region are likely to remain elevated, and there remains a high risk of transboundary haze in the sub-region.

ASMC Media Release - Deteriorating haze situation in the Mekong sub-region

In recent weeks, persistent dry conditions over the Mekong sub-region have led to an escalation of hotspot and smoke haze activities. Based on surveillance by NOAA-20 satellite, 370 and 405 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 8 and 9 Feb 2022, respectively.

In the coming days, some showers are forecast over the southern and eastern parts of the Mekong sub-region. However, the rest of the sub-region is expected to remain dry. The prevailing winds over the sub-region are expected to strengthen and blow from the northwest or northeast. Under these conditions, there is a risk of a deterioration in the hotspot and smoke haze situation and an increased likelihood of transboundary haze.

Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

Dry weather conditions associated with the Northeast Monsoon have prevailed over much of the northern ASEAN region in the past several days, contributing to an increase in hotspot activities. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 86, 156 and 115 hotspots were detected in Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, respectively, between 1 and 6 Dec 2021.

The Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to persist until March 2022, during which extended periods of dry weather may lead to further increases in hotspots activities.

ASMC Media Release - Start of northern ASEAN dry season

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the Mekong Sub-region

Dry weather in recent weeks over the Mekong sub-region has led to an escalation in the hotspot activities there. In particular, persistent hotspot clusters with smoke haze have been detected in Cambodia. Hotspots with smoke plumes have also been detected elsewhere in the Mekong sub-region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 615 and 831 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 12 and 13 Jan 2021 respectively.

The prevailing dry weather over the Mekong sub-region is expected to continue and the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the north or northeast. Under these conditions, the hotspot and smoke haze situation there could deteriorate, and increase the risk of transboundary haze occurrence.

Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

Over the past several days, dry weather has persisted over the northern ASEAN region, and this has contributed to an increase in hotspot activities. In particular, localised smoke plumes were observed to emanate from some of these hotspots in Thailand and Myanmar. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, 95 and 27 hotspots were detected in the northern ASEAN region on 1 and 2 December 2020 respectively.

The Northeast Monsoon is expected to last until March 2021. Extended periods of dry weather may lead to a further increase in hotspot activities in the northern ASEAN region over the next several months.

End of Dry Season for the Southern ASEAN Region

There have been more shower activities over the southern ASEAN region in the past few weeks. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 0 and 11 hotspots in Sumatra were detected on 28 and 29 Oct 2020 respectively, while 1 hotspot was detected in Kalimantan on each of these two days.

In the coming weeks, the prevailing winds are forecast to become light and blow from the northeast or northwest in the southern ASEAN region. Increased shower activities are also expected over most parts of the region. This will help to subdue hotspot activities and decrease the likelihood of transboundary haze. However, there could still be isolated hotspots with localised smoke haze during brief periods of drier weather.

Start of Dry Season for the Southern ASEAN Region

In recent days, drier weather was observed over the southern ASEAN region, particularly in the southern parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 19 and 5 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, while 2 and 3 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, on 1 and 2 Aug 2020 respectively. There was no significant smoke haze observed in the vicinity of these hotspots.

The prevailing dry season is expected to continue into October 2020. For the next few months, above average rainfall is forecast in large parts of the region, which would help to reduce the risk of widespread land and forest fires. However, periods of dry weather can be expected occasionally, and this can lead to an increase in hotspot activities in the fire-prone areas.

End of Dry Season for the Mekong Sub-region

Over the past week, there have been increased showers over the Mekong sub-region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, the total hotspot count in the Mekong sub-region remained low, with 147 and 69 hotspots detected on 16 May 2020 and 17 May 2020 respectively.

With rainy weather forecast over the Mekong sub-region in the coming days, hotspot activities are expected to be generally subdued.

Downgrading of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 for the Mekong sub-region

In the past week, increased shower activities over many areas of the Mekong sub-region have contributed to a significant improvement in the hotspot and haze situation there. The air quality in many parts of the sub-region have been in the good to moderate range.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, the number of hotspots detected has been decreasing over the past week. 160 and 60 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 26 and 27 Apr respectively, a significant reduction from a high of over 700 hotspots a week earlier.

Rainy weather is forecast to persist in the Mekong sub-region over the next few weeks. This is expected to bring a further improvement in the hotspot and haze situation in the Mekong sub-region. However, isolated hotspot activities with localised smoke plumes could still develop during brief periods of dry weather.

Downgrading of Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 for the Mekong sub-region

In recent days, an increase in shower activities has brought an improvement to the haze situation in the Mekong sub-region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, the number of hotspots detected has been decreasing over the past week. A total of 888 and 603 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 11 and 12 April respectively, a reduction from over 3000 hotspots detected in early April. Smoke haze has been confined in eastern Myanmar, the northern parts of Thailand and Lao PDR, and central Thailand.

In the coming days, showers are forecast over parts of the Mekong sub-region, and this is expected to bring a further improvement to the haze situation. Periods of dry weather can be expected, and hotspot activities and hazy conditions may still persist in some areas.

Activation of Alert Level 3 for the Mekong sub-region

In recent days, there has been an escalation in hotspot activities and a deterioration in the haze situation in the Mekong sub-region, particularly in Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 3002 and 2685 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 9 Mar and 10 Mar respectively. Dense haze was observed in northern parts of Thailand and Lao PDR, and there have been occurrences of transboundary smoke haze over Myanmar and the northern parts of Thailand and Lao PDR during this period.

With the prevailing dry weather over the Mekong sub-region forecast to persist, a further deterioration in the hotspot and smoke haze situation can be expected.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the Mekong sub-region

Persistent dry weather in recent weeks over the Mekong sub-region has led to an escalation in the hotspot activities there. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, there has been a significant increase in the number of hotspots over the past two days, with 615 and 1200 hotspots detected on 4 Jan and 5 Jan respectively. In particular, scattered hotspots with smoke haze have been detected in Cambodia and Thailand. A significant build-up of smoke haze was observed over northern and eastern Cambodia, and some of the smoke haze is being blown to eastern Thailand by the prevailing northeasterly winds.

With the prevailing dry conditions over the Mekong sub-region forecast to persist, and the prevailing winds blowing from the northeast or east, a further deterioration in the hotspot and smoke haze situation in the Mekong sub-region and an increased risk of transboundary haze occurrence can be expected.

Start of dry season for the northern ASEAN region

In recent days, dry conditions have contributed to an increase in hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region. Localised smoke plumes have also been observed emanating from some of these hotspots. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, there were 114 and 257 hotspots detected in the Mekong sub-region on 3 and 4 December 2019 respectively.

The prevailing Northeast Monsoon is expected to persist until March 2020, during which extended periods of dry weather may lead to further increase in hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region.

End of Dry Season for the southern ASEAN region

The gradual transition to Northeast Monsoon conditions over the past few weeks has brought an increase in showers over the southern ASEAN region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, a total of 21 and 8 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, while 5 and 6 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, on 18 and 19 Nov 2019 respectively.

With Northeast Monsoon conditions expected to prevail, rainy weather can be expected over most parts of the region. However, occasional dry conditions can be expected in the southern parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Hotspots with smoke haze can still be expected there. With the prevailing winds forecast to blow from the north or northeast, transboundary haze occurrences are unlikely.

Downgrade of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 for the southern ASEAN region

Increased shower activities over many areas of southern ASEAN region have contributed to a significant improvement in the hotspot and haze situation. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, 33 and 5 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 10 and 9 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 2 and 3 October 2019 respectively. The hotspots were detected mostly in southern Sumatra and the southern and eastern parts of Kalimantan.

In the coming days, the prevailing winds over the southern ASEAN region are forecast to be light and variable in direction. More showers can be expected over the region. However, some areas including the southern parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, can still experience brief periods of dry weather and hotspot activities may still persist in these areas. The risk of transboundary haze is currently assessed to be low due to rainy conditions elsewhere in the region, and prevailing winds that are generally light and variable in direction.

Downgrade of Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 for the southern ASEAN region

Recent showers and a change in wind conditions have brought an improvement to the haze situation in the region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, 32 and 16 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 22 and 137 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 27 and 28 September 2019 respectively. Smoke haze continued to be observed in the vicinity of hotspots in southern Sumatra and in parts of Kalimantan.

In the coming days, the prevailing winds over the southern ASEAN region are forecast to gradually weaken, and an increase in shower activities is expected. However, some parts of the region can still experience periods of dry weather, and hotspot activities may persist in some areas of Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Activation of Alert Level 3 for Sumatra

Over the past few days, there has been a further escalation of hotspot activities and deterioration in haze situation in Sumatra. Persistent hotspots in Riau and Jambi have led to a build-up of moderate to dense smoke haze there. The smoke haze has been blown across the Strait of Malacca to western parts of Peninsular Malaysia by the prevailing winds. Hotspots with smoke haze were also detected in the southern provinces of South Sumatra and Lampung.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-20 satellite, there has been an increase in the number of hotspots detected in Sumatra. 52 and 206 hotspots were detected in Sumatra on 7 and 8 September 2019 respectively.

The prevailing dry weather in the region is expected to persist in the coming weeks and a further escalation of hotspot activities in Sumatra is possible. With the prevailing winds expected to continue blowing from the southeast or southwest, the transboundary haze situation could worsen.

Activation of Alert Level 3 for Kalimantan

Over the past few days, there has been a further deterioration in haze situation in Kalimantan. Persistent hotspot clusters detected in the provinces of South, West and Central Kalimantan have contributed to a significant build-up of smoke haze over many areas in Kalimantan. Smoke haze from hotspots in West Kalimantan has been observed to be blown by the prevailing winds to western Sarawak, Malaysia.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, there has been an increase in hotspot activities. 114 and 459 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 3rd and 4th September 2019 respectively.

In view that the current dry weather is expected to persist over the region in the coming weeks, a further escalation of hotspot activities in Kalimantan is possible. With the prevailing winds forecast to continue blowing from the southeast or southwest, ASMC assessed that the risk of transboundary haze occurrence is high.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the southern ASEAN region

In recent days, there has been an escalation in hotspot activities and a deterioration in the haze situation in parts of the southern ASEAN region. Persistent hotspot clusters were detected in Riau and Jambi provinces in Sumatra and Central Kalimantan. Moderate to dense smoke haze has been observed to emanate from the hotspot clusters, giving rise to significant accumulation of smoke haze over these areas. The smoke haze from hotspots in Riau and Jambi is being blown by the prevailing southerly and southeasterly winds toward the Strait of Malacca.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 21 and 3 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 38 and 39 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 31 July and 1 August 2019 respectively. The low hotspot counts detected in Sumatra were in part due to partial satellite pass.

To provide advance information on the potential occurrence of transboundary haze to facilitate early mitigation measures, ASMC takes into consideration factors including forecast of meteorological conditions (rainfall and prevailing winds, etc), smoke haze density, and hotspot density and location, in addition to hotspot count when assessing the risk of transboundary haze occurrence. In view that the prevailing dry weather in the southern ASEAN region is expected to persist in the coming weeks and the winds are forecast to continue blowing from the southeast or southwest, ASMC assessed that there could be a further escalation of hotspot activities and an increase in the risk of transboundary haze occurrence.

Start of dry season for the southern ASEAN region

In the past few days, drier weather conditions were observed over many parts of the region, particularly in the southern parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Isolated hotspots, occasionally with localised smoke plumes, were detected in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Peninsular Malaysia. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 2 and 6 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 3 and 0 hotspots were detected in Kalimatan on 30 June and 1 July 2019 respectively

The prevailing Southwest Monsoon is expected to persist until October 2019. Extended periods of dry weather can be expected occasionally, and this can lead to an increase in hotspot activities in the fire-prone areas.

End of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

There have been scattered showers over the northern ASEAN region in the past week. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, the total hotspot count in the Mekong sub-region remained low, with 20 and 47 hotspots detected on 14th May 2019 and 15th May 2019 respectively.

With rainy conditions forecast to persist over the northern ASEAN region, hotspot activities are expected to remain generally subdued.

Downgrade of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 for the Mekong sub-region

There has been further improvement of the haze situation over the Mekong sub-region due to an increase of shower activities in the past 2 weeks. No significant smoke haze was observed over the sub-region, except for localised haze in parts of Myanmar. With rainy weather forecast to persist, the haze situation over the Mekong sub-region is expected to improve.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, the total hotspot count in the Mekong sub-region has been on a declining trend, with 31 and 21 hotspots were detected on 11 and 12 May 2019 respectively.

Downgrade of Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 for the Mekong sub-region

Since late March 2019, an increase in shower activities have helped to subdue hotspot activities in the southern Mekong sub-region. In recent days, the haze situation has further improved, and smoke haze from hotspots has been confined within Myanmar, and the northern parts of Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam. The haze situation is expected to continue to improve with more rainy weather expected over the Mekong sub-region.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, the total hotspot count in the Mekong sub-region have decreased from a high of 752 on 23 March 2019 to 70 and 59 on 22 and 23 April 2019 respectively.

Activation of Alert Level 3 for the Mekong sub-region

In recent days, there has been a deterioration in the hotspot and haze situation in the Mekong Sub-region. Moderate to dense smoke from persistent hotspots was observed in Cambodia and Thailand, and the smoke haze was being blown by the prevailing winds to neighbouring areas in Lao PDR and Viet Nam. Hotspot activities with smoke plumes have also been observed in Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. Based on the NOAA-19 satellite, a total of 272 and 108 hotspots were detected in the Mekong Sub-region on 6 and 7 Feb 2019 respectively.

With the prevailing dry weather over the Mekong Sub-region forecast to persist, a further deterioration of the hotspot and haze situation in the Mekong Sub-region can be expected.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the Mekong sub-region

There has been an increase in hotspot activities in parts of the Mekong sub-region in recent days with persistent hotspot clusters and smoke haze observed in Cambodia. Isolated hotspots were also observed in Lao PDR and Thailand. Based on the NOAA-19 satellite, a total of 217 and 44 hotspots were detected in Cambodia on 7 and 8 Jan 2019 respectively.

With dry weather persisting over most parts of the Mekong sub-region in the coming days and prevailing winds blowing from the north or northeast, there could be a further escalation of hotspot activities and an increase in the risk of transboundary haze occurrence.

Start of Dry Season for the Northern ASEAN Region

With the onset of the dry season, isolated hotspots with localised smoke plumes have been detected in the Mekong sub-region in the past few days. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, there were 20 and 157 hotspots detected in Mekong sub-region on 5 and 6 December 2018 respectively.

The prevailing Northeast Monsoon is expected to persist until March 2019. Occasional extended periods of dry weather may lead to an increase in hotspot activities in the northern ASEAN region during this period.

Downgrade of Alert Level from 1 to 0 for the southern ASEAN region

With the onset of inter-monsoon conditions in mid-October 2018, the southern ASEAN region, including Sumatra and Kalimantan has been experiencing an increase in shower activities.

The number of hotspots detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan has remained low in recent days. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, no hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 6 and 0 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 17 and 18 Oct 2018 respectively. No significant smoke haze was observed in the region.

More rainy weather can be expected over the region with a gradual transition to the Northeast Monsoon season in the coming weeks. Hotspot activities in the southern ASEAN region are expected to remain generally subdued. While isolated hotspots may still emerge during brief periods of dry weather, these hotspots are likely to be localised and short-lived.

Downgrade of Alert Level from 2 to 1 for the southern ASEAN region

In the past week, there has been an improvement in the hotspot and haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan due to increased shower activities. No significant smoke haze has been observed in the region in recent days. Visibility and air quality readings across the region have been good in general.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 11 and 1 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 22 and 3 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 31 Aug and 1 Sep respectively. This is a significant reduction from an earlier dry period in mid-August where the number of hotspots exceeded 100 in Kalimantan on several days.

Over the next one to two weeks, rainy weather is forecast over most parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, with brief, interspersed periods of dry weather in the southern parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Hotspot activities in the southern ASEAN region are thus expected to be generally subdued during this period.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the southern ASEAN region

Dry weather over the weekend has led to some deterioration of the haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The latest daytime satellite images show slight to moderate smoke haze from clusters of hotspots over peatlands in northern Riau being blown by the prevailing southwesterly winds toward the Strait of Malacca. In West Kalimantan, moderate to dense smoke haze from persistent hotspots has been observed, and the prevailing winds could blow the haze toward western Sarawak. In central Sarawak, smoke plumes could also be observed in the vicinity of hotspots.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 29 hotspots were detected on 11 August 2018 and 62 on 12 August 2018 in Sumatra. In Kalimantan, 2 hotspots were detected on 11 August 2018 and 3 on 12 August 2018 (the low hotspot count on both days was due to a partial satellite pass). There has also been a deterioration in the air quality in parts of Kalimantan and visibility in Pontianak has been reduced to 4 km due to haze conditions since this morning.

In the next several days, the prevailing dry weather and winds are expected to persist over Sumatra and Borneo. Notwithstanding the current relatively low hotspot count in Sumatra and Kalimantan, the expected dry weather and wind conditions could lead to the occurrence of transboundary smoke haze in some parts of the region.

Downgrade of Alert Level from 2 to 1 for the southern ASEAN region

In recent days, increased shower activities have helped to subdue hotspot activities in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 6 and 0 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 9 and 10 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 29 and 30 July 2018 respectively. No significant smoke haze was observed in the region.

In the next two weeks, shower activities are forecast for most parts of the southern ASEAN region, and this will help subdue hotspot activities in the region

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the southern ASEAN region

Increased hotspot activities were observed in Kalimantan and Sumatra recently due to drier weather prevailing over the region last week. Isolated hotspots and localised smoke plumes were detected in Sarawak, West, Central and South Kalimantan in the past few days. In Sumatra, a cluster of hotspots was observed in northern Riau. The smoke plumes were being blown northward by the prevailing winds over the Strait of Malacca. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 6 and 12 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 11 and 1 hotspots were detected in Sarawak and Kalimantan on 15 and 16 July 2018 respectively.

Dry weather conditions are expected to persist for most parts of the southern ASEAN region in the coming weeks, and this could lead to further escalation of hotspot activities in the fire-prone areas.

Start of Dry Season for the southern ASEAN region

In the past week, dry conditions brought on by the Southwest Monsoon were observed over many parts of the southern ASEAN region. Isolated hotspots have been detected in Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra in the last few days. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 8 and 5 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 5 and 3 hotspots were detected in Peninsular Malaysia, on 6 and 7 June 2018 respectively.

The prevailing Southwest Monsoon is expected to last till October 2018. Extended periods of drier weather can be expected occasionally, and this can lead to an increase in hotspot activities in the fire-prone areas.

Downgrading of Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 0 for the northern ASEAN region

The northern ASEAN region has been experiencing an increase in shower activities in the past several days.

Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, there has been a significant decrease in the number of hotspots detected in the Mekong sub-region including Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam over the past week. A total of 52 and 28 hotspots were detected on 14 and 15 May 2018 respectively in the Mekong sub-region.

Wet weather conditions are expected over the northern ASEAN region for the rest of the month, with more shower activities forecast when the Southwest Monsoon onsets in June 2018. Hotspot activities are likely to remain subdued, although isolated hotspots may still be detected occasionally.

Downgrading of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 for the northern ASEAN region

With the onset of the inter-monsoon season in late-Mar/early-Apr, the northern ASEAN region has been experiencing a gradual increase in rainfall. Over the past few days, hotspots detected over the Mekong sub-region have decreased due to increased shower activities in the region. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, a total of 53 and 20 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region including Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam on 18 and 19 Apr 2018 respectively.

More wet weather can be expected for the northern ASEAN region in the coming weeks. Hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region are expected to be generally subdued. Occasional isolated hotspots may still be detected during brief periods of dry weather.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the northern ASEAN region

With dry weather conditions prevailing in the northern ASEAN region, the satellite monitoring by NOAA-19 has detected an escalation of hotspot activities in the northern ASEAN region, in particularly in Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. A total of 398 and 449 hotspots were detected in the northern ASEAN region on 5 and 6 February 2018 respectively. In recent days, smoke plumes and haze from persistent hotspot clusters have been observed in parts of Cambodia and Thailand.

The prevailing dry weather conditions in the northern ASEAN region are forecast to continue till early April 2018, and further escalations of hotspot activities can be expected in the region in the coming weeks.

Start of dry season for the northern ASEAN region

In the past week, ASMC's monitoring has detected an increase in hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region, mainly in Cambodia and Thailand. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 28 and 4 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region on 14 and 15 January 2018 respectively.

The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to persist until March 2018, and dry weather conditions are expected in the northern ASEAN region. An increase in hotspot activities can be expected during extended dry periods.

End of dry season for the southern ASEAN region

With the onset of inter-monsoon conditions in mid-October 2017, the southern ASEAN region has been experiencing an increase in shower activities. Bases on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 8 and 2 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, while 0 and 6 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, on 25 and 26 October 2017 respectively.

Increased in rainfall can be expected over the region with gradual transition to the Northeast Monsoon season in the coming weeks. This will help to further subdue the hotspot activities in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Start of dry season for the southern ASEAN region

The Southwest Monsoon onset in the region in late May 2017. Over the past few days, the region including Sumatra and Kalimantan has been experiencing dry weather conditions. The number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan has remained low but is expected to increase as the dry season progresses. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 12 and 14 hotspots were detected in Sumatra on 6 and 7 June 2017 respectively.

The prevailing Southwest Monsoon is expected to strengthen and persist over the next few months. During this period, extended periods of drier weather can be expected, which could lead to elevated hotspot activities in the fire-prone areas.

End of Dry Season for the northern ASEAN region

The northern ASEAN region has been experiencing an increase in shower activities since late April 2017. Over the past several days, showers in the Mekong sub-region have helped to subdue hotspot activties there. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, a total of 24 and 11 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region including Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam on 7 and 8 May 2017 respectively.

In the coming weeks, more shower activites are expected over the northern ASEAN region with the transition to the Southwest Monsoon season in June 2017. Hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region are expected to be generally subdued.

Activation of Alert Level 2 for the northern ASEAN region

With dry weather conditions prevailing in the northern ASEAN region, our satellite monitoring by NOAA-19 has detected an escalation of hotspots with 144 and 121 hotspots detected on 26 and 27 February 2017 respectively in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR and Myanmar. Smoke plumes and haze from persistent clusters of hotspots have been observed particularly in Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia over the past few days.

The prevailing dry weather conditions in the northern ASEAN region are forecast to persist into March 2017, and further escalations of hotspot activties can be expected in the region in the coming weeks.

Start of dry season for the northern ASEAN region

In the past week, our monitoring has detected an increase in hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region, mainly in Cambodia and Thailand.

The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to persist until March 2017, bringing drier weather conditions to the northern ASEAN region. An increase in hotspot activities can be expected particularly during persistent dry periods.

End of dry season for the southern ASEAN region

Over the past weeks, shower activities have continued to subdue the hotspot and haze situation in the region, including the fire-prone provinces of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 0 and 0 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, while 4 and 2 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, on 26 and 27 October 2016 respectively.

In the coming weeks, increased rainfall can be expected over the region with the gradual transition to the Northeast Monsoon season. This will help to further subdue the hotspot activities in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Downgrade of Alert 2 to Alert 1 for Kalimantan

Over the past few days, increased shower activities have helped to alleviate the hotspot and smoke haze situation over Kalimantan. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, 0 and 7 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 24 and 25 September 2016 respectively. Shower activities are forecast for parts of Kalimantan over the next few days and hotspot activities are expected to be gradually subdued.

Upgrade of Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 for Kalimantan

Drier weather conditions over the region in the recent days have led to an increase in the number of hotspots in western Kalimantan. Our latest monitoring from NOAA19 Satellite, 49 and 79 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 15 and 16 August 2016 respectively. Smoke plumes and haze were visible from some of the hotspots.

Over the next few days, dry weather conditions are forecast for the southern ASEAN region. Under the prevailing southeasterly to southwesterly wind conditions, transboundary smoke haze could affect parts of the region if hotspot activities in Kalimantan persist and escalate further.

Start of dry season for the southern ASEAN region

The Southwest Monsoon onset in the region in early June 2016. Over the past few days, the region including Sumatra and Kalimantan have been experiencing dry weather conditions, signaling the start of the traditional dry season in the southern ASEAN region. Hotspot counts in Sumatra and Kalimantan have remained low in the last few weeks, but are expected to increase as the dry season progresses. On 28 and 29 June 2016, ASMC's monitoring has detected 3 and 9 hotspots respectively in central Sumatra.

The prevailing Southwest Monsoon is expected to strengthen and persist over the next few months. During this period, extended periods of drier weather can be expected, which could lead to elevated hotspot activities in fire-prone areas.

End of dry season for the northern ASEAN region

The northern ASEAN region has been experiencing an increase in shower activities with the onset of the Inter-monsoon season in late April 2016. Over the past few days, the showers in the Mekong sub-region have helped to subdue hotspot activities there. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-19 satellite, a total of 22 and 37 hotspots were detected in the Mekong sub-region including Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam on 18 and 19 May 2016 respectively.

In the coming weeks, more showers activities are expected over the region with the transition to the Southwest Monsoon season around mid-June 2016. Hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region are expected to be generally subdued.

Upgrade of Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 for the northern ASEAN region

With dry weather conditions prevailing in the northern ASEAN region, our satellite monitoring by NOAA18 has detected an escalation of hotspots with 212 and 1127 hotspots detected on 27 March 2016 and 28 March 2016 respectively in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Lao PDR. In Myanmar, 151 and 126 hotspots were detected on 27 Mar 2016 and 28 March 2016 respectively. In recent days, smoke plumes and haze from persistent clusters of hotspots have been observed in parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar.

The prevailing dry weather conditions in the northern ASEAN region are forecast to continue till early April 2016, and further escalations of hotspot activities can be expected in the region in the coming weeks.

The traditional dry season in the northern ASEAN region has started

In the past week, ASMC monitoring has detected an increase in hotspot activities in the Mekong sub-region, mainly in Thailand and Cambodia. The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to strengthen and persist for the next few months, bringing drier weather conditions to the northern ASEAN region. An increase in hotspot activities can be expected particularly during persistent dry periods.

The traditional dry season in the southern ASEAN region has ended

With the onset of Inter-Monsoon conditions in the past week, increased showers have been experienced over the southern ASEAN region. 3 and 0 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and 6 and 0 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, on 11 and 12 November 2015 respectively. In the coming weeks, more shower activities are expected over the region. Hotspot activities in Sumatra and Kalimantan are expected to be subdued due to the wet weather.

Downgrade of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 for the southern ASEAN region

Increased shower activities have further helped to alleviate the hotspot and smoke haze situation over Sumatra and Kalimantan. 3(45) and 0(9) hotspots were detected in Sumatra (Kalimantan) on 6 and 7 November 2015 respectively. Shower activities are forecast over most parts of the region for the next few days, and this would help subdue the hotspot activities and further ease the haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Downgrade of Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 for Sumatra and Kalimantan

Over the past days, increased shower activities have helped to alleviate the hotspot and smoke haze situation over Sumatra and Kalimantan. However, hotspot activities continue to be observed in parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-18 satellite, 50(0) and 106(0) hotspots were detected in Sumatra (Kalimantan) on 31 October and 1 November 2015 respectively.

Shower activities are forecast for parts of the region over the next few days. However, drier weather conditions are expected to continue over southern Sumatra and southern Kalimantan, and an increase in hotspot activities can be expected.

Upgrade of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 for Kalimantan

The prevailing dry weather in Kalimantan has led to a further escalation of hotspot activities there in recent weeks. Persistent hotspot clusters with widespread moderate to dense haze have been detected mainly in the western, southern and central parts of Kalimantan. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-18 satellite, 401 and 333 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan on 4 September and 5 September respectively. Although the hotspot counts have since decreased, widespread haze continue to persist in large parts of Kalimantan. Some haze from Kalimantan has spread to the western parts of Sarawak and affected the air quality there.

In the coming days, the current dry weather conditions over Kalimantan are expected to persist. Under the prevailing wind conditions, transboundary smoke haze could continue to spread to Sarawak and other parts of the region.

Upgrade of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 for Sumatra

In the past week, the prevailing dry weather has led to a further escalation of hotspot activities over Sumatra. Increasing hotspot clusters and widespread moderate to dense smoke haze have been detected in southern and central Sumatra. Based on surveillance by the NOAA-18 satellite, 222 and 380 hotspots were detected in Sumatra on 31 August and 1 September respectively. In recent days, the smoke haze from Sumatra has spread to some parts of the region including western Peninsular Malaysia and affected the air quality there.

In the coming days, the current dry weather conditions over southern and central Sumatra are expected to persist. Under the prevailing southeasterly to southerly wind conditions, transboundary smoke haze could continue to spread to some parts of the region.

Upgrade of Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 for Sumatra and Kalimantan

Drier weather conditions over the region in the past few days have led to an escalation in the number of hotspots in Jambi and South Sumatra, as well as in West and Central Kalimantan. 42(116) and 242(146) hotspots were detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan on 18(17) August. Smoke plumes and moderate haze were visible from some of the hotspots.

Dry weather conditions are likely to persist in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Under the prevailing southeasterly or southwesterly wind conditions, transboundary smoke haze is likely to affect other parts of the region should the hotspot activities continue to persist.

The traditional dry season of the northern ASEAN region has come to an end

Downgrade of Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 for the northern ASEAN region

Increased shower activities have helped to alleviate the hotspot and smoke haze situation over most parts of the northern ASEAN region. 26 and 31 hotspots were detected in the Mekong Sub-Region on 24 and 25 April 2015 respectively. Shower activities are forecast to prevail over the northern ASEAN region in the coming weeks, which will help to subdue hotspot activities.

Upgrade of Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 for northern ASEAN region

The prevailing dry weather conditions in the northern ASEAN region have led to a build-up of smoke haze over parts of the region in recent days. There has been an escalation in hotspot activities with 1321 and 1118 hotspots detected on 20 and 21 January 2015 respectively in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Lao PDR.

In Cambodia, smoke haze from persistent clusters of hotspots has been observed in large areas particularly in the northern and central parts of the country. In Thailand, scattered hotspots were detected mainly in the northern and central parts of the country.

With the current dry season in the northern ASEAN region expected to continue into March/April 2015, further escalation of hotspot activities can be expected in the region in the coming weeks.