Singapore, 15 October 2019 – Showers fell over parts of Singapore in the late afternoon today. For the rest of the day, it is expected to be fair, with the prevailing winds blowing from the east-southeast. As at 6pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 13-27 µg/m3, in Band I (Normal), and the 24-hr PSI was 57-62, in the Moderate range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
2 There were showers in northern Sumatra today, and dry weather persisted over southern Sumatra. A total of 219 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, mostly in the provinces of Jambi and South Sumatra. Smoke haze was observed to emanate from some of these hotspots.
3 For the next few days, showers are forecast over the region including Singapore and Sumatra. The prevailing winds are expected to be generally light and blow from the east or southeast. The likelihood of Singapore being affected by transboundary haze remains low. For the next 24 hours, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings are expected to be in Band I (Normal), and the 24-hr PSI is forecast to be in the Good to the low-end of the Moderate range.
4 NEA is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates when necessary.
Health Advisory
5 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. Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, everyone can continue with normal activities. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.
6 The main air pollutant during the haze season is PM2.5. Hence, the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings are a good indicator of the current air quality. Use this for immediate activities like going for a jog. Health advisories during periods of transboundary haze are based primarily on the 24-hour PSI, as there are no major health studies done for other air quality indicators.
7 For updates, visit our NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), mobile apps (myEnv and Weather@SG) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) and NEA Twitter (@NEAsg). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at asmc.asean.org.
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