SINGAPORE, Aug 4 — South-east 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 Specialised Meteorological Centre said here today, reported Xinhua.

“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 centre 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 centre, the South-west Monsoon is expected to persist through most of the August-to-October period, with prevailing winds coming mainly from the south-east and south-west.

As the monsoon rain band remains north of the equator, dry conditions are expected to persist across southern Asean, while northern Asean is likely to experience wetter weather.

Above-normal temperatures are expected across most of Asean from August to October, potentially worsening dry conditions.

The centre 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. — Bernama-Xinhua