Singapore on alert as haze risk rises amid dry conditions

 

As at 1pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in Singapore’s Central region stood at 81, which is within the moderate range, NEA says. STRAITS TIMES FILE PIC

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Haze Task Force is ready to activate its haze action plans should air quality deteriorate to unhealthy levels, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said.

In a statement, the NEA said it is closely monitoring the haze situation and will provide further updates if the situation changes.

As at 1pm on Sunday, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in Singapore's Central region stood at 81, which is within the moderate range, it said.

"If the 24-hour PSI enters the unhealthy range exceeding 100, NEA will issue daily haze advisories. It will include the 24-hour PSI forecast, which can be used by the public to plan their activities and events the next day," it added.

NEA said recent dry conditions had led to an increase in hotspots, with smoke plumes observed over parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan that could be transported towards Singapore under prevailing southeasterly winds, particularly from southern Sumatra.

The agency said dry conditions are expected to continue in the coming week which could increase the risk of haze should the fires persist.  - NST