Hazy skies return to Singapore

SINGAPORE — Smoggy skies returned to Singapore today, with the PSI reading, a measure of air pollution, at 35 to 51 in the good and moderate range at 12pm. The level of PM2.5, or very fine particulate matter, was between 23 and 32 micrograms per cubic metre.

The PSI reading as at 4pm was at 38-50, still considered to be in the good range.

According to the National Environment Agency, the hazy conditions is due to the onset of Inter-Monsoon conditions in the region late last month. This is a transition period between Northeast Monsoon and Southwest Monsoon, and typically last from late March to May. The Inter-Monsoon months are characterised by warm weather and occasional heavy thunderstorms, and with winds that are generally light and variable in direction.

During this period, Singapore is unlikely to be affected by significant transboundary haze, added NEA. However, Singapore may experience brief slight haziness from time to time, especially in the morning. This is due to the accumulation of particulate matter under light wind conditions and, or mist, and would usually clear later in the day.