Reuters reported that extreme heat is complicating the export of coal and palm oil from Indonesia. ^[1] A blanket of toxic haze is enveloping parts of Indonesia and spreading into Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines due to weeks-long wildfires. ^[2] Between July and August, Indonesia's Health Ministry recorded over 50,000 cases of respiratory infections linked to land and forest fires. ^[3] In some areas, the smog has fueled pollution levels more than 15 times the World Health Organization's recommended level. ^[4] The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) issued a weather forecast for September 4 stating that the majority of Indonesia will be dominated by cloudy conditions. ^[5] Indonesia, one of the region's largest economies, is facing difficulties due to the El Niño phenomenon, which has caused drought and worsened forest fires on Sumatra and Kalimantan. ^[6] Industry associations in Indonesia stated that extremely dry weather is hindering stable coal and palm oil shipments due to reduced water levels in key rivers. ^[7] Dr Nisa Novita, a peatland researcher at Indonesian conservation NGO Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, explained that drained peatlands can become carbon bombs when burned, releasing carbon accumulated underground for thousands of years. ^[8] An early warning was issued for moderate to heavy rain potentially affecting North Sumatra, East Kalimantan, and northern Papua. ^[9] In Sumatra, Bengkulu and Bandar Lampung are predicted to experience smoke or haze, while Palembang is forecast to have hazy air. ^[10] Sea surface temperatures off the coast of South America are currently three to four degrees above normal. ^[11]