Number of hot spots in Sumatra rise to 380

SINGAPORE — The number of hot spots detected in Sumatra today (Sept 1) increased to 380, with the situation deteriorating for the second time in two days.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said widespread moderate to dense smoke haze was observed in southern and central Sumatra. Yesterday, 222 hot spots were discovered in Sumatra, up from 29 the day before.

Hazy conditions will linger in Singa­pore tomorrow, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) expected to be in the moderate range of 51 to 100, said the NEA.

As at 8pm yesterday, the 24-hour PSI was between 63 and 70, in the moderate range, and the three-hour PSI was 91.

The NEA said prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south or south-east tomorrow. “There may be occasional slight haze from Sumatra if the winds shift to blow from the south,” it said.

In a separate fortnightly outlook released today, the NEA said some warm days with temperatures of up to around 34°C are expected in the next two weeks, along with slightly hazy conditions, depending on wind conditions.

Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to prevail this week and the next. Some warm days can be expected and short-duration thundery showers are likely on three to five days, mostly in the late mornings and early afternoons.

In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected on one or two days in the morning.

As periods of dry weather can be expected over the region, Singapore could experience slight to moderate hazy conditions on a few days, if the prevailing winds shift to blow from the south or south-west, the NEA said.

Rainfall for this week and the next is expected to be below normal.

Last month, below-average rainfall was also observed. The lowest level of 78mm and 102mm — which is 45 to 60 per cent below the average — was recorded in the northern part of Singapore, around Admiralty. In the second half of the month, Singapore experienced slightly hazy conditions on several days, due to the prevailing south to southwesterly winds blowing in smoke from fires in Sumatra.