‘A lot at stake’: Meet the meteorologist tasked with predicting Singapore’s haze

They also examine wind and rainfall forecasts, along with models that estimate how haze may spread and affect air quality.

“We believe that no particular one model is always correct, so we cross-check it with multiple models,” Mr Lim said. 

He recalled one particularly challenging haze episode when he spotted dense haze over Kalimantan, hundreds of kilometres away, drifting slowly towards Singapore. 

He could see the smoke approaching, but he could not tell whether the densest haze would reach Singapore, or how severely it might affect air quality.

“The thing is, in this whole dense patch of haze, there were some (parts) that were more dense than others, and there are some parts of cleaner air,” he said. 

The uncertainties made the forecast particularly challenging, given the potential consequences of getting it wrong. 

“There’s a lot at stake because a lot of stakeholders rely on the forecast to make decisions,” he said. 

Despite the pressure, Mr Lim said he takes comfort in knowing he can rely on his colleagues.

“It’s not easy, but it’s comforting to know that I have a team of forecasters with me, and they are all skilled professionals who have been doing this a long time,” he said.