S’pore may experience slightly hazy conditions in the next few days: NEA

SINGAPORE — Singapore experienced slightly hazy conditions on Monday (Aug 26) morning as a result of a brief shift in the direction of the prevailing winds, which blew from the southwest on Sunday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said.

In an update on Monday evening, NEA said that the “slightly hazy conditions gradually improved when the prevailing winds strengthened to blow from the south-southeast”.

“There were also thundery showers over the island (on Monday),” it said.

It added that as of 6pm on Monday, the 24-hr PSI was between 68 and 80, in the moderate range, and the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 7-30 μg/m3, which was in Band I (Normal).

NEA cautioned that Singapore may continue to experience slightly hazy conditions when the prevailing winds shift to blow from the southwest. It noted though, that thundery showers can be expected in Singapore “for the next few days”.

“An increase in shower activities is (also) forecast over Sumatra,” it said.

NEA said it is aware of an ongoing forest fire in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, while hotspots with smoke haze were also detected in central and south Sumatra on Sunday.

"The slightly hazy conditions in Singapore this morning could be due to haze drifting in from some of these areas," NEA said.

As of Monday, 60 hotspots were detected in Indonesia, mainly in the provinces of Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra.

“The 24-hr PSI for the next 24 hours is forecast to be in the moderate range, whereas the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration reading for the next 24 hours is expected to be in Band I (Normal).”

The agency is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates when necessary.

In a reminder to the public, it said that the health impact of haze is “dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity”.

“Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, everyone can continue with normal activities,” it added. 

“Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions should seek medical attention.”