Haze in Singapore due to Sumatra fires

Haze in Singapore due to Sumatra fires

The skies over Singapore were slightly hazy on Saturday.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) attributed this to the smoke haze from the fires in Sumatra brought in by the prevailing southwesterly winds.

"The latest satellite pass today detected 80 hotspots mainly in the Riau Province in Sumatra," added the NEA in a statement.

The air quality in Singapore, as measured by the PSI readings, was in the moderate range - which is one level below the good range.

At 4pm, the 24-hour PSI reading was 54.

"The winds are expected to remain southwesterly tomorrow and showers with thunder are expected in the morning. The showers should help to mitigate the smoke haze but there is still a possibility that some slight haziness may remain tomorrow," said the NEA.

It pointed out that at the recent meeting on haze pollution held in Brunei, Singapore has cautioned that periods of dry conditions may occur during the inter-monsoon season and urged ASEAN member states to remain vigilant and to continuously monitor as well as implement haze prevention activities.

NEA is monitoring the smoke haze situation closely and will provide updates should the air quality deteriorate. Members of the public may also call NEA Call Centre at 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632) or access www.nea.gov.sg for any feedback or update on the situation.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-