Slightly hazy conditions due to accumulation of particulate matter: NEA

Channel NewsAsia 18 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE: Some parts of Singapore were slightly hazy on Monday morning.

In an update on Monday evening, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the haze was localised and was because of the accumulation of particulate matter.

NEA said the 3-hour PSI in northern Singapore was slightly elevated in the morning.

But the 24-hour PSI remained in the “good” range throughout the day.

At 10pm on Monday, the 24-hour PSI was 29-39.

Seven hotspots were detected in Sumatra on Monday, mainly in northern Sumatra.

But smoke haze was visible over Riau province in central Sumatra.

NEA said the number of hotspots detected over the last few days has been low due to cloudy conditions and partial satellite coverage.

The prevailing northeasterly winds for the next few days will keep the haze from Sumatra and volcanic ash from the Mount Sinabung and Mount Kelud eruptions away from Singapore.

As such, the likelihood of transboundary haze or volcanic ash affecting Singapore remains low.

But NEA said there may be occasional slight haze to the accumulation of particulate matter, particularly in the morning.

Over the next few days, localised showers are expected in the late afternoon.

NEA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

- CNA/xq