SINGAPORE: There is an increased risk of Singapore being affected by the haze from June to October, as El Nino conditions are expected to develop and coincide with another weather phenomenon, the Indian Ocean Dipole.
The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) has forecast El Nino conditions to develop in June to July 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and MSS said in a statement on May 29.
El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with changes in both the ocean and atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, including an abnormal warming of the surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific.
El Nino events tend to have the greatest influence on Singapore’s rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon season from June to September, increasing the chance of dry conditions. The weather phenomenon also bring warmer temperatures to Singapore.
A positive Indian Ocean Dipole is also expected to develop in July to August. Singapore and our surrounding regions tend to experience drier conditions as sea surface temperatures in the eastern Indian Ocean are cooler, resulting in less cloud formation.
“Both climate phenomena are expected to bring warmer and drier conditions to Singapore and the surrounding region from June to October 2026,” NEA and MSS said in the statement.
“This will increase the risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore and the region.” - The Straits Times/ANN
