Dry conditions expected to continue next week, raising haze risk if hotspots in the region persist: NEA
The 28 public agencies that make up the Haze Task Force are ready to roll out their respective action plans if air quality deteriorates into the unhealthy range, said the National Environment Agency.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has forecast dry conditions to persist in the coming week, which could heighten the risk of haze in Singapore if fires continue in the region, according to a report on Aug 9. As of 1pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in Singapore's central region stood at 81, indicating moderate air quality.
Recent dry spells have intensified hotspot situations, with smoke plumes and hotspots detected over parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, reported the NEA. Prevailing southeasterly winds may carry smoke haze towards Singapore, particularly from southern Sumatra, the agency added. The NEA will maintain close monitoring of the haze situation and issue daily haze advisories if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 100, guiding the public on activities and events.
The 28 public agencies comprising the inter-agency Haze Task Force (HTF) are prepared to implement their action plans if air quality deteriorates to unhealthy levels. The HTF, chaired by the NEA, develops and executes strategies to mitigate haze's impact on Singapore, allowing agencies to adopt tiered responses based on air quality readings and forecasts.
The task force convened twice in 2023 - once in January following fires in east Johor and again in April - to update its plans. The public is advised to refer to the current one-hour PM2.5 concentration and its associated personal guide when planning outdoor or strenuous activities. Cutting down on outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and ensuring medication for chronic heart or lung conditions are readily available can help reduce the effects of haze exposure.
Vulnerable groups should seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise. The NEA's warning follows the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) raising its alert for the southern ASEAN region to Level 2, indicating an increasing risk of transboundary haze. Singapore has sufficient national mask stockpiles, with schools, preschools, and residential and care facilities equipped with air purifiers for public protection.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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