24-hour PSI remains in moderate range; NEA says 'continued risk of transboundary haze'

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in Singapore on Monday (Aug 10) remains in the moderate range, albeit an improvement from a day earlier on National Day.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the 24-hour PSI for Singapore is in the moderate range of 70, in Singapore's central region.

In comparison, the 24-hour PSI reading at 1pm on Aug 9 was 81.

PSI values of between 51 and 100 are in the moderate range.

Meanwhile, the 1-hour PM2.5 reading is in the normal band in all four regions of Singapore, with the reading highest in the central region at 39.

In its health advisory on planning for outdoor activities during haze, NEA said normal activities can continue when readings are in the good or moderate range.

If readings go into the unhealthy range, members of the public are advised to cut down on prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.

Government agencies 'stand ready'

Recent dry conditions have led to an escalation in hotspot activity, with hotspots and smoke plumes observed over parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan.

In a news release on Aug 9, NEA said Singapore's Haze Task Force, comprising 28 public agencies, is ready to take action should air quality deteriorate and the 24-hour PSI reading exceed 100, which would prompt NEA to issue daily haze advisories.

The advisory will include the 24-hour PSI forecast, which will aid the public in planning their activities and events for the following day. 

Checks by AsiaOne on NEA's weather and haze outlook forecast at 1pm show that dry conditions are expected over most parts of the southern Asean region, except over the northern and central parts of Sumatra, the eastern parts of Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia where some showers are forecast. 

"The hotspots and smoke haze situation may escalate in areas experiencing pro-longed periods of drier weather, with a continued risk of transboundary haze occurrences," said NEA, adding that the prevailing winds over the southern Asean region are forecast to blow from the southeast to south.

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