Singapore, 18 September 2019 –  Singapore has been experiencing hazy conditions today, as haze continues to be blown in from southern Sumatra by the prevailing winds. For the rest of the day, the hazy conditions are expected to persist, and the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south-southeast. As at 5pm, the 24-hr PSI was 111-131, in the Unhealthy range, and the 1-hr PM_2.5 concentration readings were 60-95 µg/m³, in Band II (Elevated).

2         A total of 238 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, mostly in the southern provinces of Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra. Moderate to dense smoke haze continued to emanate from hotspots in central and southern Sumatra, and some smoke haze has been blown by the prevailing winds to affect Singapore and parts of Peninsular Malaysia.

3         For the next few days, the weather over Sumatra is forecast to remain dry and the haze situation there is expected to persist. The prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the southeast or south, and Singapore may continue to experience hazy conditions. For the next 24 hours, the 1-hr PM_2.5 concentration readings are expected to range between Band I (Normal) and Band II (Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI is forecast to be in the high end of the Moderate range and the low end of Unhealthy range, and depending on wind conditions, may enter the mid-section of the Unhealthy range if denser haze from Sumatra is blown in.  

4         NEA is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates when necessary.

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, 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.

6          Air quality indicators and health advisories during periods of transboundary haze refer primarily to the 24-hour PSI. There are no accompanying health advisories for any other air quality indicators. In addition, the main air pollutant during the haze season is PM_2.5. Hence, the 1-hour PM_2.5 concentration readings are a good indicator of the current air quality. Use this for immediate activities like going for a jog.

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.