PUBLISHED ONMarch 13, 2014 11:30 AM
Levels of fine particles in the air - known as "PM2.5" - spiked to the unhealthy range yesterday, triggering warnings for some people to limit outdoor exercise.
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Haze forecast and health advisory for March 13 from the National Environment Agency (NEA) website:
Hazy conditions continue to affect Singapore today (March 12). PSI has been in the Moderate range since 6 pm yesterday (March 11). As at 9 pm today, the 24-hr PSI is 48-70 and the 24-hr PM2.5 is 29-51 µg/m3.
The haze can be attributed to hotspots in southern Johor, blown in by the prevailing northeasterly winds. The number of hotspots detected in Peninsular Malaysia today is 85, a decrease from 149 yesterday. In Sumatra, 99 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, compared to 259 hotspots yesterday. NEA has shared Johor hotspot information with its counterparts in the Department of Environment, Malaysia.
Smoke plumes and haze were visible from some of these hotspots. Vegetation fires observed in Changi today could also have contributed to the haziness in the eastern parts of Singapore this evening.
The hazy conditions are expected to gradually improve overnight. For tomorrow, the weather is expected to be mainly fair and warm. Hazy conditions can be expected if the hotspots in Johor persist.
The 24-hr PSI for the next 24 hours is forecast to be in the higher end of the Moderate band (i.e 51-100). The 24-hr PM2.5 is expected to be in the same range. NEA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
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. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly, pregnant women and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention. At the current PSI and PM2.5 levels, most people can continue with normal activities.
For updates, visit our NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) and NEA Twitter (@NEAsg).
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