Moderate to slightly unhealthy hazy conditions may continue for next 24hrs

SINGAPORE - The 24-hr PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the high end of the Moderate range and the low end of the Unhealthy range, and may enter into the mid-section of the Unhealthy range if denser haze is blown in, said a National Environment Agency (NEA) evening update.

Slightly hazy conditions were observed in Singapore today, and are expected to persist for the rest of the day. As at 5pm today, the 24-hr PSI was 85-102, in the high-end of the Moderate range and the low end of the Unhealthy range, and the 1-hr PM2.5 was 25-33µg/m3.

As of 8pm, the 24-hr PSI reading is in a moderate range from 75-88 for Singapore, while the 3-hr PSI level is 70, which is also a moderate level.

Widespread moderate to dense haze continues to be observed in central and southern Sumatra. Some haze was also observed to have spread into the sea areas south of Singapore.

For tomorrow, the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the southeast or south. Hazy conditions are still expected, and there could be some deterioration in the air quality if denser haze is blown in by the unfavourable winds. Thundery showers are forecast for Singapore in the late morning and early afternoon, said the NEA update.

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.

Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy persons should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention, advised NEA.

For updates, visit the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), or NEA's Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) and Twitter (@NEAsg), or download the myENV app.

spanaech@sph.com.sg

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