Haze watch: PSI remains unhealthy in 3 regions

Residents in the northern and southern regions woke up to slightly improved air quality on Wednesday (Oct 7), after 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading turned high-moderate overnight.

At 8am, PSI in central (130), eastern (119) and western (118) Singapore were in the unhealthy range.

Meanwhile, one-hour PM2.5 in the same three regions are in the elevated band, with western Singapore recording the highest concentration reading of 80.

PM2.5 concentration readings in the northern and southern regions were in the normal band. 

In its daily haze situation update on Tuesday evening, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the country's 24-hour PSI forecast is expected to remain in the high moderate to mid-unhealthy range.

It noted that moderate to dense smoke plumes from southern Sumatra and West Kalimantan were observed drifting towards Singapore.

Data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre shows that the number of hotspots in Kalimantan fell from 438 on Oct 5, to 178 on Oct 6.

Given the prevailing east-south-easterly to south-easterly winds, coupled with dry weather forecast over Kalimantan and southern and central Sumatra, the agency said that smoke haze is likely to continue drifting towards Singapore.

Members of the public should check the latest one-hour PM2.5 concentration readings before participating in outdoor activities.

If PM2.5 concentration reading enters the high-band (151 to 250µg/m3), healthy persons should avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour, while vulnerable persons should avoid all outdoor activity for the next hour.

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editor@asiaone.com