Hazy conditions can still be expected: NEA

SINGAPORE — Hazy conditions can still be expected tomorrow (Oct 18), with the possibility of some deterioration in visibility conditions if denser haze from the surrounding region is blown in, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).

In an evening update today, the NEA said the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) for the next 24 hours is expected to range between the high end of the moderate range and low end of the unhealthy range. Air quality may enter the mid-section of the unhealthy range if denser haze is blown in.

As at 6pm, the 24-hour PSI was 84-97 while the 3-hour PSI stood at 101. The 1-hour PM2.5 concentration was 39 to 57 microgrammes per cubic metre.

Singapore experienced slightly hazy conditions, with generally good visibility today, as prevailing winds blow from the southeast. The conditions are expected to persist for the rest of the day, said the NEA.

A total of 18 hotspots were detected in Sumatra today, although the low count was due to cloud cover. Yesterday, seven hotspots were detected.

“Moderate to dense haze is still persisting in parts of central and southern Sumatra. Some haze from Sumatra is observed to have spread to the sea areas south of Singapore and the southern Straits of Malacca,” said the NEA.

Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, the NEA advised that healthy persons should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.