Haze: Normal activities can continue, says NEA

SINGAPORE - The National Environment Agency (NEA) said that the hazy conditions Singapore is currently experiencing today (Aug 20) is due to smoke from fires in southern Sumatra, brought over by the southwesterly winds overnight. “However, air quality remains within the moderate range and normal activities can still be carried out,” it added. In a media statement, the agency said that “the winds over Singapore" have been “light and variable since this morning, resulting in the accumulation of particulate matter in the atmosphere”. In an earlier Facebook post, Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said that the haze is expected to improve with the strengthening of winds and in the later part of the day. A change in wind direction to blow from the South will also alleviate conditions. At 2pm today, air quality remains in the moderate range with a 3-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) of 56. The 24-hour PSI reading is in the good range from 27 - 35. The 24-hour PM2.5 is 17-22μg/m3. According to NEA’s website, the daily number of hotspots detected in Sumatra fell from 199 on Sunday to 82 yesterday. In the statement, NEA said that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when there are further developments.