Why are there a haze in Singapore nowadays?

There are several reasons contributing to the current haze situation in Singapore:

1. Regional Forest Fires: The main cause of haze in Singapore is smoke from forest fires in neighboring countries such as Indonesia. During the dry season, farmers and plantation owners often use slash-and-burn methods to clear land for agriculture, resulting in massive fires. Indonesia contributes substantially to regional haze.

2. Meteorological Conditions: Weather patterns play a critical role in determining the severity of the haze. Prolonged dry weather and the absence of rain create ideal conditions for forest fires to spread and persist. The prevailing winds then carry the smoke towards Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region.

3. Peatland Fires: Indonesia has extensive areas of peat swamp forests, highly flammable when drained and ignited. Peat fires release dense smoke contributing to the haze. Peat fires are challenging to extinguish and can smolder for extended periods, producing significant amounts of smoke.

4. Air Stagnation: Atmospheric conditions over Singapore and the surrounding region can trap pollutants and cause them to accumulate. Factors such as low wind speeds, high humidity, and a lack of rainfall prevent dispersal and can worsen the haze situation.

5. Urban Development: Land clearance for urban development in neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia can also contribute to the haze. Clearing forests for plantations, development projects, or logging creates favorable conditions for fires to start and spread.

6. Agricultural Burning: In addition to forest fires, agricultural burning practices also contribute to haze. During certain times of the year, farmers may burn crop residues in the fields to clear the land for new planting. Burning these residues releases pollutants and smoke, potentially adding to the regional haze.