askST: How worrying is Singapore’s haze outlook, and how can you protect yourself?
The Straits Times looks at what residents need to know to protect themselves.
Singapore faces a worrying haze outlook this week as dry conditions and worsening fires in the region persist. The haze task force has prepared to implement plans following the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entering the moderate range in central Singapore. Singapore is among the countries at high risk of severe haze, with conditions expected to peak from August to September due to hot and dry weather amplified by an intensifying El Nino climate phenomenon.
Past El Nino events have caused significant rainfall reduction in Singapore, exacerbating peatland and forest fires.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) warns that dry conditions in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan could lead to increased haze risk if fires continue. The confluence of El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole may prolong the dry season into October. Singapore's task force, which meets yearly before the dry season, will roll out plans to manage the impact of haze.
Air quality enters the unhealthy range when PSI exceeds 100, triggering daily haze advisories for the public to plan their activities accordingly. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic lung or heart disease, should minimize outdoor activities during unhealthy air quality conditions.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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