Persistent regional fires could bring haze as Singapore braces for hotter days and humid nights.
Singapore is entering September under a combination of unusually dry weather, elevated temperatures, and growing regional wildfire activity. With dense smoke haze already observed across parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, meteorological authorities warn that Singapore could experience hazy conditions during the first half of the month if regional fires intensify.
Dry Weather Expected Through Mid-September
The Meteorological Service Singapore expects dry conditions to continue during the first fortnight of September, with Southwest Monsoon conditions keeping winds mainly from the southeast or southwest. Fair and occasionally windy weather is expected on most days, particularly during the first week, although localized short-duration thundery showers could develop in the late morning or afternoon on some days. Total rainfall for the first fortnight is forecast to be below average across most of Singapore.
Temperatures Could Exceed 35°C
Singapore is also preparing for another hot period, with daily maximum temperatures expected to range between 33°C and 35°C on most days and potentially climb slightly above 35°C on several days. Nights are expected to remain warm and humid, with minimum temperatures staying above 27°C on most nights. The conditions follow an already warm second half of August, when Seletar recorded 35.5°C on August 25.
Regional Wildfires Increase Haze Threat
The bigger concern is the escalating hotspot and smoke situation around Singapore. Dense smoke haze has been observed over southern and central Sumatra and various parts of Kalimantan since around August 21, while dry conditions are expected to persist across much of the surrounding region. The latest regional monitoring has also detected scattered to widespread hotspots across Sumatra and Kalimantan, with some locations reporting unhealthy to hazardous air quality.
Wind Direction Could Carry Smoke Toward Singapore
MSS warned that Singapore could experience hazy conditions if regional fires intensify, particularly under prevailing southeasterly or southwesterly winds capable of transporting smoke toward the island. As of 5 p.m. on September 1, Singapore’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index remained within the moderate range. The National Environment Agency said it will issue daily haze advisories if the 24-hour PSI enters the unhealthy range.
Indonesia Fires Remain Critical to Singapore
The outlook again demonstrates how closely Singapore’s air quality is connected to environmental conditions in Indonesia. Persistent fires in Sumatra are particularly relevant because wind patterns can transport smoke across the Singapore Strait, while widespread fires in Kalimantan are already contributing to serious haze elsewhere in the region. For Indonesians, controlling forest and peatland fires is essential for protecting communities, ecosystems, and public health. For Singaporeans, successful containment could determine whether September remains simply hot and dry or develops into a more serious haze episode.
Singapore is not currently experiencing unhealthy nationwide air quality, but the combination of below-average rainfall, regional hotspots, persistent dry conditions, and favorable winds creates a clear haze risk during the first half of September. The situation reinforces the shared environmental interests of Indonesia and Singapore, where effective wildfire prevention and rapid suppression can directly influence air quality on both sides of the Singapore Strait.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Asia One (2026)
Keywords: Singapore Haze, September Singapore Weather, Indonesia Wildfires, Sumatra Fires, Kalimantan Fires, Singapore Air Quality
