Singapore Prepares for Increased Haze Risk from June to October 2026 Due to El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole.

Singapore is facing an increased risk of haze from June to October 2026, driven by the combined effects of El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the second half of the year will likely bring warmer and drier weather to the region, creating conditions conducive to the development and spread of transboundary haze.

The convergence of these two climate patterns is expected to suppress rainfall and elevate temperatures. According to reporting from The Straits Times, the interaction between El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole is the primary driver behind the heightened haze risk scheduled for the period between June and October.

Climate Drivers and Weather Expectations

El Niño typically results in reduced precipitation and higher-than-average temperatures across Southeast Asia. When this occurs in tandem with the Indian Ocean Dipole, the drying effect is often amplified, increasing the susceptibility of regional landscapes to wildfires.

CNA reports that the second half of 2026 is likely to be characterized by this warmer and drier weather. These conditions often lead to the drying of peatlands and forests in neighboring regions, which can then ignite and produce vast amounts of smoke that drift into Singapore.

Regional Haze Conditions

Current data from Copernicus Atmosphere indicates that severe haze is already affecting parts of Southeast Asia. This development is notable because the region experienced below-average wildfire activity during April 2026.

The presence of severe haze despite the relatively low wildfire activity in April suggests that atmospheric conditions and existing smoke concentrations are contributing to poor air quality across the region, even before the peak risk period of the second half of the year begins.

Economic and Public Health Implications

The severity of the current climate cycle has led some observers to refer to the phenomenon as a “Godzilla El Niño.” Travel Weekly Asia reports that the tourism sector across Southeast Asia is currently bracing for the impacts of this intense climate event, as haze often disrupts travel plans and reduces outdoor activity.

Public health concerns are also rising as the risk window approaches. AsiaOne has highlighted the potential need for protective measures, such as the use of masks, to mitigate the health risks associated with the higher haze risk predicted from June to October.

Monitoring and Oversight

The National Environment Agency is among the key organizations involved in monitoring these developments. The agency is responsible for tracking air quality indices and providing updates on the movement of transboundary haze into Singaporean airspace.

The focus for the remainder of 2026 will remain on the interplay between the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño, as these factors determine the intensity of the dry spell and the subsequent volume of smoke entering the region.