Slight haze may hit Singapore

Slight haze may hit Singapore

The number of hot spots in Sumatra, Indonesia, jumped to 225 yesterday from 86 on Saturday, said Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA). There were 21 hot spots on Friday.

The agency added that dense smoke plumes were seen from some of the hot spots in central and southern Sumatra.

With dry-weather conditions in these areas expected to continue, NEA warned that Singapore "may experience occasional slight haze over the next few days".

On Tuesday afternoon, Singapore was affected by slight haze, with the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hitting 56 at 2pm.

A PSI reading below 50 means air quality is good, while one between 51 and 100 means it is moderate.

The number of hot spots on Tuesday was 29, although there might have been some that were undetected due to cloud cover. On Aug 16, the number of hot spots was 267.

Despite the rise in hot-spot numbers yesterday, NEA said that, based on the 24-hour PSI, air quality today until 6pm is expected to be in the good range.

~News courtesy of Omy~

Haze in Singapore due to Sumatra fires: NEA

Haze in Singapore due to Sumatra fires: NEA



Haze surrounding the Singapore Flyer and Singapore skyline at 12pm. (Photo: Richard Lim)

The skies over Singapore were slightly hazy on Tuesday.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the haziness was due to smoke from fires in southern Sumatra, brought over by the southwesterly winds overnight.

At 1pm, the 3-hour PSI hit the moderate range of 55, edging up to 56 at 2pm and 3pm before coming down to the good range.

At 7pm, the 3-hour PSI stood at 27.

The PSI reading in Singapore hit a record high of 401 on 21 June this year as a result of smog from forest fires in Indonesia.

However, the NEA website indicated the number of hotspots in Sumatra decreased from 82 on Monday to 29 on Tuesday.

"However, due to extensive cloud cover in the central and northern regions of Sumatra, we cannot be certain of the exact situation. Nevertheless, recent showers over central and southern Sumatra would have helped to further subdue the hotspot activities there," said NEA.

It added that over the next few days, Singapore may experience slightly hazy conditions in the morning due to the accumulation of particulate matter under light wind conditions.

"The 24-hour PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the higher end of the 'good' band (that is ≤50). The 24-hour PM2.5 is expected to be slightly elevated," said NEA. "All persons can continue with normal activities."

Thundery showers are forecast over Singapore in the late morning and early afternoon on Wednesday, it added.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

新加坡未来几天 轻微烟霾将卷土重来

未来几天　轻微烟霾将卷土重来



本地昨天出现轻微烟霾，到了中午，3小时的空气污染指数上升至50点。不过，滨海湾一带，还是有上班族在户外进餐，乘机“透透气”。（摄影：联合早报/叶振忠）

本地昨天上午又出现轻微烟霾，国家环境局预测未来几天，上午也将有轻微烟霾。

环境局昨天在发布的24小时空气污染指数（PSI）预测文告中指出，未来几天将吹南至东南或南至西南的低空风，上午时段会因为轻风情况而累积细悬浮微粒，因此将出现轻微烟霾。不过，今天上午较晚时段和下午较早时段预计都会有雷阵雨。

今天的24小时空气污染指数预计会接近良好水平（指数少于50点）的边缘，24小时细微悬浮颗粒PM2.5指数预计将稍微上升。

昨天上午，有不少居住在全岛各地的国人发现有烟霾，甚至有烧焦味。根据环境局网站，3小时的空气污染指数从昨天上午持续上升，下午2时冲破50点，达到当天最高的56点，下午3时之后指数开始下跌。晚上8时，3小时的空气污染指数跌至28点，24小时的指数是30至38点，24小时PM2.5平均浓度则介于每立方米20微克至25微克。

环境局指出，本地出现烟霾的原因是前晚西南风把印度尼西亚苏门答腊南部火点的烟尘吹向本地。

《联合早报》

Selamat Hari Raya

Plan journey for coming holiday weekend

Travellers advised to plan journey for coming holiday weekend



A general view of the causeway from Singapore to Johor Bahru. (AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN)

Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy with Hari Raya Puasa and National Day coming up next week.

Travellers intending to use the land checkpoints during the peak periods are advised to adjust their travel plans if possible.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said motorists can play a part to ease congestion at the land checkpoints by maintaining lane discipline at all times.

Travellers can also call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, listen to TrafficWatch on the radio or visit LTA's One Motoring website to check the latest traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journeys.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~