Singapore, 07 October 2023 – It has been slightly hazy in Singapore today. As at 5pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 30-94 µg/m3, in Band I – Band II (Normal to Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 66-120, in the high-end of the Moderate range to low-end of the Unhealthy range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
2 Dry conditions continue to prevail over most parts of the surrounding region. 188 hotspots were detected mostly over the southern and central parts of Sumatra today, a slight decrease from the 212 hotspots detected yesterday. Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed to be blown towards the north and northwest by prevailing winds.
3 With lighter winds expected over Singapore and the surrounding region tomorrow, the current hazy conditions are expected to persist. For the next 24 hours, the 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the high-end of the Moderate range to low-end of the Unhealthy range. Some showers and a favourable change in wind direction can be expected towards Monday, which may lead to some improvement in the haze situation.
Activity Guidelines
4 The main air pollutant during the haze season is PM2.5, and the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings are a good indicator of the current air quality. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the latest 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. Health advisories during periods of transboundary haze are based primarily on the 24-hour PSI, as there are no major health studies done for other air quality indicators. Use the 24-hour PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories when planning for next day outdoor activities.
5 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 are to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities. The elderly, pregnant women and children are to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities, and persons with chronic lung disease and heart disease should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities. Persons who are not feeling well should seek medical attention.
6 For updates, visit our haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myEnv) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) and NEA Twitter (@NEAsg). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at http://asmc.asean.org.
Latest Weather And Haze Situation
The weather remained dry for much of the southern ASEAN region today, except for parts of northern Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and northern Borneo, where there were shower activities. Some moderate to dense smoke haze was observed from satellite imagery, and lighter smoke haze may drift under current prevailing winds to affect neighbouring countries. Based on the latest satellite observations, scattered hotspots were detected in southern and central Sumatra, as well as southern Kalimantan. Moderate smoke haze continued to be observed over the southern and central parts of Sumatra drifting towards the northwest. Several air quality stations in the area reported Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy levels. Over southern and western Kalimantan, moderate to dense smoke haze emanating from persistent hotspot clusters persisted and was observed to drift northwestwards. Unhealthy levels of air quality was reported by several stations in the vicinity. The smoke haze situation cannot be fully determined over the equatorial region due to cloud cover. Over the northern ASEAN region, shower activities prevailed and the hotspot activity remained low.
The haze boundaries indicate areas with moderate to dense smoke haze. Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery.
Updated on 5:23 PM 07 October
Weather And Haze Outlook
Over the next few days, dry weather is expected to persist over central and southern Sumatra, southern Peninsular Malaysia, Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands. While shower activities are forecast over other parts of the southern ASEAN region, the risk of elevated hotspot activity and transboundary smoke haze still remains. The prevailing winds over the southern ASEAN region are expected to weaken and blow from the east to southeast. Shower activities are forecast over the northern ASEAN region and the hotspot activity is likely to remain low. The prevailing winds are forecast to be generally light and variable in direction.
The haze boundaries indicate areas with moderate to dense smoke haze. Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery.
Updated on 5:23 PM 07 October
