Southeast Asia haze risk rises as Indonesia’s fire hotspots jump
More than 3,500 hotspots have been recorded this month, over four times July's total and the highest August count since 2015.
Southeast Asia faces an escalating haze risk as Indonesia's fire hotspots have reached their highest level in over a decade, according to the forestry ministry's SiPongi platform. Over 3,500 hotspots have been recorded this month, over quadrupling the July count, and the highest August figure since 2015.
El Niño, a climate pattern that typically brings hotter and drier conditions, is exacerbating the situation. Unseasonably dry weather and significantly lower rainfall, which is 1.2C above normal since July, have left vegetation parched and ripe for wildfires. Climate models predict a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall through October.
Regions such as Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Java are experiencing heightened fire weather conditions, with a very strong El Niño and a positive phase of another climate pattern in the Indian Ocean contributing to the risk.
In 2015, severe fires across Southeast Asia triggered a regional haze emergency, costing Indonesia US$16 billion and straining diplomatic relations. The current situation could prove even more detrimental, potentially leading to severe wildfires and choking haze, affecting local economies and international relations.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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