Shroud not linked to current hot spots in Sumatra

Smoke's in the air
Straits Times 14 Feb 09;

A SMOKY shroud lingered over parts of the island yesterday, prompting many Singaporeans to ask if the dreaded haze was back.

But the National Environment Agency (NEA) said yesterday light winds were behind the shroud that stretched over the city skyline, as well as parts of the East Coast, Toa Payoh and Potong Pasir.

A spokesman said the light winds had resulted in an accumulation of dust particles in the air.

He added that - based on the latest satellite pictures, which showed seven hot spots in Sumatra but no significant smoke plumes - it was unlikely the haziness had stemmed from there.

He said smoke from lallang fires, one on Thursday and another yesterday, could have contributed to the particle accumulation as well.

The 24-hour air-quality reading on the Pollutant Standards Index at 4pm yesterday was within the 'good' range, NEA noted.

Said scientist Goh Kee Chuan, 42, who had noticed the smoky shroud yesterday while at his home in Potong Pasir: 'I'm asthmatic, so I'm a bit concerned.'

'I will carry around my inhaler just in case,' Dr Goh added.

Hot spots - the result of traditional burning methods used in Indonesia to clear land for growing crops - are the main culprits behind the haze that plagues the region almost every year around the middle of the year.

As for the weather forecast over the next few days, NEA said: 'The light wind conditions are expected to persist for a day or two.

'There is a possibility that we may experience some slight haziness during this period of light wind conditions.'

Slight haze in Singapore, but PSI reading within good range
Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia 13 Feb 09;

SINGAPORE: Is the haze back in Singapore? Well, some people might be forgiven for thinking so.

The view over Toa Payoh estate on Friday afternoon was hazier than what most would expect. Downtown, the central business district was an equally gloomy sight.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the hazy view was due to light wind conditions, resulting in a build-up of dust particles in the air.

Bushfires in Singapore in the past two days might have also contributed to the haze.

NEA said there is no indication the haze originated from forest fires in Indonesia.

It added that the PSI reading is within the good range, but the slight haze may persist for the next day or two.

- CNA/ir