Singapore, 7 October 2023 – It has been slightly hazy in Singapore today. As at 5pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 30-94 µg/m3, in Band I – Band II (Normal to Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 66-120, in the high-end of the Moderate range to low-end of the Unhealthy range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
2 Dry conditions continue to prevail over most parts of the surrounding region. 188 hotspots were detected mostly over the southern and central parts of Sumatra today, a slight decrease from the 212 hotspots detected yesterday. Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed to be blown towards the north and northwest by prevailing winds.
3 With lighter winds expected over Singapore and the surrounding region tomorrow, the current hazy conditions are expected to persist. For the next 24 hours, the 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the high-end of the Moderate range to low- end of the Unhealthy range. Some showers and a favourable change in wind direction can be expected towards Monday, which may lead to some improvement in the haze situation.
Activity Guidelines
4 The main air pollutant during the haze season is PM2.5, and the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings are a good indicator of the current air quality. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the latest 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. 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. Use the 24-hour PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories when planning for next day outdoor activities.
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 are to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities. The elderly, pregnant women and children are to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities, and persons with chronic lung disease and heart disease should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities. Persons who are not feeling well should seek medical attention.
6 For updates, visit our NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), the haze microsite (https://www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myEnv) 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 (https://asmc.asean.org).
Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery.
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