Summary

• In the second half of 2021,
  • A weak negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) prevailed through the second half of 2021.
  • La Niña conditions re-emerged in September 2021.
  • The Southern ASEAN region experienced a subdued haze season due to a relatively wetter dry season.
  • Traditional dry season for the Northern ASEAN region began from December 2021.
• Over Southeast Asia,
  • Typhoon Rai brought record winds and heavy rainfall to Viet Nam.
  • Seasonal variation in June – September 2021 impacted the agriculture sector in Thailand.
  • Brunei Darussalam experienced anomalous heavy rainfall in July 2021.
  • Intra-seasonal and inter-annual climate variability contributed to extreme events in the Philippines.
• Between March and August 2022,
  • The current La Niña conditions are predicted to return to ENSO neutral conditions by mid-2022.
  • The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is expected to continue in its current neutral phase.
  • Models predict wetter conditions over much of Southeast Asia, in line with La Niña conditions.
  • Hotspot activity and smoke haze over Mekong sub-region are likely to persist till May 2022.
• ASMC Regional Capability-Building Programme (ACaP):
  • 17th ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum (ASEANCOF-17) held in November 2021
  • ASEAN Hotspot and Haze Assessment (H2A) Workshop held in February 2022
  • Upcoming event: ASEANCOF-18 (tentatively May 2022)