A new report says the risk of severe transboundary haze in Southeast Asia remains high for the rest of 2026, driven by a combination of climate and regional factors. The analysis, carried out by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, highlights El Niño conditions as one contributor that can worsen haze through drier conditions and increased fire likelihood. The report also points to biofuel demand as a factor that may increase pressures related to land and agricultural burning in the region. In addition, it cites Indonesia’s budget cuts as potentially reducing resources and capacity for haze prevention and mitigation. The report identifies a specific window when conditions are most concerning: August to September. During this period, it describes as the “peak danger” timeframe for transboundary haze affecting countries in the region. Overall, the report frames the rest of 2026 as a period where several interacting drivers could raise the likelihood and severity of haze events crossing borders, prompting attention to preparedness and mitigation efforts ahead of the peak months.