Showers expected across region, may improve haze in Sumatra, Kalimantan

SINGAPORE — After a week of being blanketed by haze, rain showers are expected across the region over the next few days which may “improve the hotspot and haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan”, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Sunday (Sept 22) evening.  

This is due to a shift in prevailing winds, which are forecast to blow from the east-northeast or east-southeast on Monday, the NEA said.

In Singapore, slightly hazy conditions can be expected on Monday, and thundery showers are forecast in the afternoon. 

As at 7pm on Sunday, the 24-hr PSI was 109-122, in the Unhealthy range, and the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 63-69µg/m3, in Band II (Elevated).  

For the next 24 hours, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings are expected to be in Band II (Elevated), and may return to Band I (Normal). 

The 24-hr PSI is forecast to be between the high end of Moderate range and the low end of Unhealthy range. It may enter the mid-section of the Unhealthy range if denser haze from the surrounding region is blown in.

“For the next few days, an increase in rain showers can be expected over the region, including Sumatra and Kalimantan, and the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the northeast or southeast,” the NEA said. 

“The showers may help to improve the hotspot and haze situation in Sumatra and Kalimantan, although hotspot activities in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan can be expected to persist.”