Latest Weather and Haze Situation

While a few showers were observed over the southern parts of the Philippines, dry conditions continued to persist over the rest of the northern ASEAN region. From the overnight satellite surveillance, widespread hotspots were detected in Lao PDR while isolated to scattered hotspots were detected in the rest of the Mekong sub-region. From recent satellite observations, moderate to dense transboundary smoke haze was observed to cover the eastern parts of Myanmar, and the northern parts of Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam. Slight smoke haze was also observed over the rest of Myanmar, and moderate smoke haze was also observed over parts of Cambodia, the southeastern parts of Thailand, and the southern parts of Lao PDR. Some air quality stations over the northern and eastern parts of the Mekong sub-region recorded Unhealthy levels, with a few stations recorded Very Unhealthy levels. A few ground observation stations situated in the northern and eastern parts of the sub-region recorded low visibility.

Cloudy conditions and isolated showers were observed over most parts of the southern ASEAN region, except for Sumatra, the southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore where the weather conditions were partly cloudy. The hotspot activity over the region remained suppressed. No significant smoke plumes were observed.
Updated on 11:18 AM 29 April

Weather and Haze Outlook

Over the coming days, showers are forecast over the southern parts of the Philippines but dry conditions are expected to persist over the rest of the northern ASEAN region. Under the prevailing weather conditions, the elevated hotspot and transboundary smoke haze situation over the Mekong sub-region is expected to continue. The prevailing winds over the Philippines are forecast to blow from the east or southeast, while the prevailing winds over the Mekong sub-region are expected to blow mostly from the south or southwest.

Showers are expected over the southern ASEAN region. Although the overall hotspot activity is expected to remain low, isolated hotspots with localised smoke plumes can still occur over drier areas. The prevailing winds over areas near the Equator are expected to be light and variable in direction, but the prevailing winds over areas south of the Equator are forecast to blow from the east or southeast.
Updated on 11:18 AM 29 April