Slight haze due to smoke from fires in Sumatra: NEA

"Occasional hazy conditions may persist overnight and tomorrow," the National Environment Agency says in an advisory issued on Wednesday evening.
Channel NewsAsia 19 Aug 15;

SINGAPORE: The slightly hazy situation in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon (Aug 19) is due to "smoke haze from fires in Sumatra being blown in by the prevailing south-southwesterly winds," said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in an advisory.

Members of the public reported hazy skies in areas such as Jurong, Buona Vista and Beach Road.

At 7pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index or PSI, was 62-68 - within the Moderate Range, NEA added.

Similar hazy situation in Beach Road.

According to NEA, smoke plumes from hotspots in central and southern Sumatra have been observed in the past few days, with 116 and 42 hotspots detected in Sumatra on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Just 12 hotspots were observed on Wednesday, but NEA said this is due to the "partial satellite pass".

"Occasional hazy conditions may persist overnight and tomorrow," NEA stated, adding that "everyone can continue with normal activities".

- CNA/hs