Singapore anticipates moderate PSI levels amid haze concerns
Singapore is likely to not experience haze, even with a surge in the number of hotspots detected in Sumatra.
According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the dry weather prevailing across most of the surrounding region has contributed to a low likelihood of haze affecting the city-state.
A total of 530 hotspots in southern and central Sumatra were reported on 17 October. This is significantly more than the 285 hotspots detected on Monday. Furthermore, prevailing winds have pushed the smoke haze from southern and central Sumatra towards the northwest.
“An increase in shower activities is forecast for Singapore and the surrounding region from tomorrow. The prevailing winds are forecast to blow mainly from the southeast or south, weakening to become light and variable in direction over the next few days,” NEA noted.
“The likelihood of transboundary haze affecting Singapore is assessed to be low.”
As of 6 p.m., the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings fell within the normal range, while the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) was between 51 and 65 in the moderate range.
Over the next 24 hours, Singapore’s PSI is also anticipated to remain in the moderate range.
On 7 October, air quality briefly deteriorated to unhealthy levels for the first time since 2019 due to smoke from forest fires in central and Southern Sumatra.
Currently, the skies in Singapore have mostly remained clear. Rain in Singapore and the surrounding region last week has also lessened the likelihood of haze.
The upcoming two weeks are expected to bring more showers to southern Southeast Asia, potentially improving the situation and further reducing the possibility of transboundary haze affecting Singapore.
‘The chance of the 24-hour PSI reaching the unhealthy range in Singapore is low for the coming fortnight,” said the Meteorological Service Singapore (Met Service) in its fortnightly weather advisory on Monday.
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