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Hotspot and Haze Assessment (H2A) Workshop 2024 for the ASEAN Region, Singapore 27 – 29 February 2024

On 27-29 February 2024, the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) conducted the ninth run of the Hotspot and Haze Assessment (H2A) workshop for the ASEAN region in Singapore. This workshop is part of the ongoing ASMC Regional Capability-building Programme (ACaP), which seeks to build regional capabilities in weather forecasting, haze monitoring, subseasonal-to-seasonal predictions, as well as climate change projections.

During this workshop, experts from the environment and meteorological sectors of the ASEAN region shared their local experiences, knowledge and preparations for the upcoming dry seasons. Topics covered during the workshop included fire and haze detection methodologies, subseasonal-to-seasonal prediction, dispersion modelling and a walkthrough of key ASMC information platforms for the region. There were also hands-on activities where participants were guided on extraction of satellite data and regional haze analysis. The lecturers were from ASMC as well as the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS), the key developer of the hotspot detection algorithms used in the region.

Figure 1: Group photograph of ASMC staff and trainers, NOAA lecturers and participants of the 2024 H2A workshop.
Figure 1: Group photograph of ASMC staff and trainers, NOAA lecturers and participants of the 2024 H2A workshop.

Figure 2: Participants’ sharing of local experience on fire and haze in their countries.
Figure 2: Participants’ sharing of local experience on fire and haze in their countries.

Beyond the lectures and activities, participants also visited the Singapore Marina Barrage, one of the largest water catchment areas located in the heart of the city, as well as the sustainable gallery. Many participants appreciated the relevance and usefulness of the topics covered and shared positive feedback on their experiences at the event.

Figure 3: Lecturer from NOAA sharing on fire detection algorithms and haze detection tools.
Figure 3: Lecturer from NOAA sharing on fire detection algorithms and haze detection tools.

Figure 4: Participants had the opportunity to learn about climate change mitigation efforts at the sustainable gallery.
Figure 4: Participants had the opportunity to learn about climate change mitigation efforts at the sustainable gallery.