Showers help improve haze conditions on Friday

SINGAPORE - Widespread showers over Singapore and the surrounding region overnight have brought an improvement to the hazy condition in Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said today (Oct 2).

NEA added that while the air quality has improved, visibility is still reduced due to high humidity after the rain but it is expected to improve gradually in the morning.

As of 12pm today, the 3-hour PSI was 117 while the 24-hr PSI was 113-145.

The showers have brought a reduction in the extent of haze in our surrounding sea areas. However, haze is still persisting in southern Sumatra. For today, the prevailing winds are forecast to continue blowing from the southeast or south. Hazy conditions can still be expected.

"The 24-hr PSI for the next 12 hours is expected to drop to the low end of the unhealthy range and high end of the moderate range, but may rise to the high end of the unhealthy range later in the day if denser haze is blown in," NEA said.

NEA urged the public to reduce outdoor activities and physical exertion to minimise the ill effects from haze exposure. It added that those feeling unwell, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.

For updates, visit NEA website, the haze microsite, Facebook and NEA Twitter, or download the myENV app.

debwong@sph.com.sg

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