Haze in Singapore worsens as 3-hour PSI reading hits 84
Haze in Singapore worsened Tuesday as the 3-hour PSI reading hits the highest level so far this year.
The hazy conditions were brought about by northeasterly winds from hotspots in southern Johore, the National Environment Agency said in its haze forecast and health advisory.
The agency’s website showed the 3-hour PSI reading within the moderate band at 84 at 8pm, the highest level for this year so far, said Channel NewsAsia.
“The haziness is expected to gradually improve overnight,” NEA said. “Hazy conditions can also be expected if the hotspots in Johore persists.”
NEA said that the number of hotspots in the Malaysia increased Tuesday to 149 from 86 on Monday and those in Sumatra jumped to 259 from 228.
The agency noted that the 24-hour PSI reading ranged between 31 and 56 at 8pm, still between the good and moderate band.
At the current PSI level, most people can continue engaging in their normal activities. However, NEA advised those who are feeling unwell, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic heart or lung problems, to seek medical attention.
NEA reiterated in its advisory, “The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity.”
Weather in Singapore is expected to be fair and warm for the next few days, it said.
The agency has announced that by 1 May of this year, PM2.5 readings will be incorporated in the 24-hour and 3-hour PSI readings. This will allow the PSI to reflect a total of six pollutants – sulphur dioxide, particulate matter, fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and ozone.
“As a result of PM2.5 being incorporated into the PSI, more days will be classified as ‘moderate’ compared to before, even though the actual concentration of pollutants has not changed,” NEA said in an update, adding that there will be no changes on the ground, and that people can proceed with normal activities when the reading is in Good and Moderate range.
Here are some of the reactions on the haze found on Twitter:
