Haze situation improves slightly as of 4pm today

Haze situation improves slightly as of 4pm today

SINGAPORE - Singapore has been experiencing 'moderately' hazy conditions for the past few days. However, the haze is expected to clear up beginning today as wind direction changes.

As of 4pm today, the highest Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading was recorded in the north at PSI 68, an improvement over the day's highest reading of PSI 75 at 8am in the north as well.

The latest 24-hour PSI reading for the whole of Singapore stands at a 57 to 68 range. This morning, the range was PSI 65 to 75.

The highest PSI readings have been recorded consistently in the north, followed by central and the west respectively.

The improving conditions have been attributed to the wind direction changing from southwesterly to southeasterly/southerly winds, the National Environmental Agency (NEA) said.

The prevailing winds, which have been blowing since yesterday, has brought about improving air quality and visibility since early morning, NEA said.

According to NEA's 3-hour PSI readings based solely on PM10 concentrations, air quality has been steadily improving from PSI 79 to PSI 49 as of the latest 4pm reading.

The southeasterly/southerly winds are expected to be maintained over the weekend and bring a gradual improvement to the hazy conditions starting today.

However, hotspot activities are expected to prevail in southern Sumatra due to the dry weather conditions, and Singapore may still experience hazy conditions on some days if the direction of the winds changes to southwesterly, warned NEA.

Health advisory

NEA issues health advisory

Although the current PSI readings have not reached an unhealthy level, NEA advised people with heart or respiratory ailments, the elderly and children to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities.

For those who wish to be kept informed of the latest haze updates, the hourly updates of the 3-hour PSI from 7 am to 7 pm daily will be provided to the public through NEA's website starting today.

NEA added that it also provides detailed air quality readings for the five regions in Singapore (North, South, East, West and Central) at 8am, 12noon and 4pm on the NEA website at www.nea.gov.sg/psi.

These readings are also available on AsiaOne's services page .

The public can also access PSI updates through the Weather@SG website, NEA's twitter stream, or call NEA at 1800 2255 632.

You can also download NEA's iPhone/Android App called myENV.

NEA said it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates if necessary.

Click here for the latest PSI readings

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