Southeast Asia worries about dry conditions and forest fires causing heavy haze

(Photo of Indonesia-caused haze in Malaysia from Flickr and photographer KeWynn Lee)

Xtreme Weather Watch: Each year since 1997, heavy smog has been created by arid conditions resulting in peat and forest fires in Indonesia. That smog, or haze, has spread across the region, especially to Malaysia and Singapore, causing respiratory illness and costing tourist dollars. Environment ministers from the area have warned that as La Niña subsides the second half of this year, the smog is likely to return. (PlanetArk)