Second Half of October 2023 Haze in Singapore: Forecast Promises Rain and Reduced Haze Risks
In Singapore, the first half of October 2023 has been exceptionally warm. On 9 October, the temperature reached a blistering 36.3°C, marking it as the hottest October day ever recorded in Singapore.
This surpassed the previous highs of 35.7°C recorded on 14 October 2001 and 13 October 2019.
However, there’s hope on the horizon. It seems the skies have heeded our calls (and perhaps noticed our air-conditioning units working non-stop). The forecast suggests more rain for the remainder of October, offering a welcome respite from the intense heat.
Rain is Expected Over the Next Two Weeks, Reducing Haze Chances
People in Singapore can anticipate thundery showers on most days in the upcoming fortnight, with some extending into the evening. By the latter half of this period, brief thundery showers are likely to occur in parts of our island during late mornings and afternoons.
On a brighter note, we’re expecting above-average rainfall for the second half of October. It’s an opportune time to get those umbrellas and rain boots ready.
Thanks to the predicted rain, we can look forward to a cooler end to the month. Daily maximum temperatures are forecasted to range between a more comfortable 33°C and 34°C. While it might not be chilly enough for sweaters, it’s certainly a move towards cooler days.
For our neighbors in the southern Southeast Asia region, they can also anticipate more rain in the weeks ahead. This bodes well for Singapore, as it implies a decreased risk of transboundary haze affecting us. Consequently, the likelihood of the 24-hour PSI reaching unhealthy levels in the next fortnight is minimal.
To jog your memory, on 7 and 8 October, smoke haze from forest fires in central and southern Sumatra drifted over, leading to hazy conditions and a decline in air quality. The eastern part of Singapore even registered a 24-hour PSI of 123 between 8 and 9 pm on 7 October.
According to the NEA’s daily update, dry conditions prevailed in most regions, resulting in a significant spike in hotspots. An alarming 285 hotspots were identified, mainly in the southern and central regions of Sumatra. This contrasts sharply with the 24 hotspots detected just the day before.
Yet, there’s a silver lining for Singapore: although we can expect some rain, the neighbouring areas’ dry conditions are likely to persist into the next day. With winds predominantly coming from the southeast, and occasionally shifting from the south to southwest, there’s a potential for mild haze. Nevertheless, the 24-hour PSI for the following day is projected to stay within the Moderate range.
More positive news is that the risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore is anticipated to decrease by Wednesday, as rain showers are forecasted to return in nearby regions.
For a deeper understanding of why the haze has returned in 2023, you can watch this video: