According to Xinhua News Agency, the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC) said on August 4 (local time) that Southeast Asia is forecast to experience hotter and drier weather in the coming months, increasing the risk of forest fires and transboundary smog as the El Nino phenomenon intensifies.
In the latest seasonal forecast bulletin, ASMC said that El Nino is currently appearing and is forecast to continue to strengthen. This phenomenon may cause rainfall in most of southern Southeast Asia to be lower than normal in the next few months.
According to ASMC, the Southwest monsoon is expected to continue for most of the period from August to October, with the main wind direction from Southeast or Southwest. Due to the monsoon rainband continuing to be located north of the equator, the southern Southeast Asian region is likely to continue to experience drought, while the northern Southeast Asian region is forecast to have more humid weather.
Temperatures higher than the forecast average in most of Southeast Asia in the near future may make the drought situation more serious.
ASMC warns of prolonged drought, combined with prevailing Southeast and Southwest winds, which could increase the number of fire points and the risk of transboundary smog. Activity of hotspots in the Mekong sub-region is forecast to remain relatively low, although the risk may increase in places with lower rainfall.
