The national weather office of Singapore has warned that the upcoming El Niño climate pattern is expected to increase the risk of transboundary haze in the country. With the positive Indian Ocean Dipole also likely to occur, it is expected that the city-state and the surrounding regions will experience warmer and drier conditions towards October. This will increase the likelihood of haze, which is a recurring problem in Southeast Asia.
Haze is caused by natural or human-made fires in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly when land is cleared for plantations like oil palm, pulpwood and rubber trees. It has disrupted tourism and cost local economies billions of dollars in the past. The problem has also created diplomatic tensions between Singapore and its neighboring countries.
As a precautionary measure, the Meteorological Service has issued a statement advising the public to prepare themselves by ensuring that they have a sufficient supply of N95 face masks and air purifiers that are in good working condition. The statement particularly emphasizes the importance for people to be equipped with the necessary protective gear amidst the impending threat of haze.
Therefore, it is highly recommended for people in Singapore and the surrounding regions to heed this warning and prepare themselves adequately for the potential haze. This includes keeping a stock of N95 face masks and having air purifiers that are in good working condition to help prevent respiratory problems. It is better to be safe than sorry remains the message from the Meteorological Service, as they remind everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from this environmental problem.