SINGAPORE, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Southeast Asia is expected to face hotter and drier conditions in the coming months, with an increased risk of fires and transboundary haze, as strengthening El Niño conditions reduce rainfall, the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center said here Tuesday.
"El Niño conditions tend to lead to an increased chance of below-normal rainfall for much of the southern ASEAN region during August-October," the center said in its latest seasonal outlook, adding that El Niño conditions are now present and predicted to continue strengthening over the next few months.
According to the center, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to persist through most of the August-October period, with prevailing winds blowing mainly from the southeast or southwest.
With the monsoon rain band remaining north of the equator, the southern ASEAN region is likely to continue experiencing dry conditions, while wetter weather is expected in northern ASEAN.
Above-normal temperatures are expected across most of ASEAN from August to October, potentially worsening dry conditions.
The center warned that prolonged dryness, combined with prevailing southeasterly and southwesterly winds, could increase hotspot activity and the risk of transboundary haze.
The Mekong sub-region is expected to remain relatively subdued, although risks of hotspot activity may rise in areas affected by lower rainfall. ■
