More than 350 hotspots detected in Sumatra on Tuesday: NEA

SINGAPORE - The total number of hotspots detected in Sumatra today was 356, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 20).

NEA said that the deteriorating haze conditions that affected Singapore last night improved gradually overnight.

As at 7pm today, the 3-hour PSI was 78 while the 24-hour PSI was 93-167.

NEA added that moderate to dense haze is still persisting in parts of central and southern Sumatra. Some haze from Kalimantan is also observed to spread to the sea areas southeast of Singapore.

The 24-hour PSI for Wednesday (Oct 21) is expected to be in the low to mid sections of the Unhealthy range, and may improve to the high end of the Moderate range if winds are favourable.

NEA said the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the southeast or south, and occasional hazy conditions can still be expected. Reduced visibility is also expected if PM2.5 concentration levels are elevated.

For updates, visit NEA website, the haze microsite, and follow NEA Facebook and NEA Twitter.

debwong@sph.com.sg

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