Slightly hazy conditions to persist for next few days: NEA

SINGAPORE — The haze continued to linger over the weekend despite some improvement in air quality on Saturday morning, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings remaining in the “moderate” range since 9pm last Friday. However, the situation was expected to improve overnight, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in an update yesterday.

The agency said the haze may be attributed to hot spots to the north of Singapore blown in by the prevailing north-easterly winds. A total of 110 hot spots were detected in Peninsula Malaysia and 210 in Sumatra yesterday. This is an increase from the 14 in Peninsula Malaysia and 129 in Sumatra reported on Saturday.

Last Friday, the three-hour PSI reached as high as 71 at one point. As of 9pm last night, the 24-hour PSI readings ranged from 36 to 50. The three-hour PSI reading was 56 and the PM2.5 concentration level was in the range of 22 to 33 micrograms per cubic metre.

The NEA said that for the next few days, the weather is expected to be fair and warm. “Slightly hazy conditions can also be expected in the late afternoon and night if hot spots in the surrounding region persist. The agency will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary,” the agency said in a statement.

The NEA noted that the health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity.

“Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly, pregnant women and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention. At the current PSI and PM2.5 levels, most people can continue with normal activities,” the NEA said.