'Slight haziness' expected through Saturday: NEA

Despite improved conditions in the morning, "slight haziness" is expected on Friday (Aug 21) night, says the National Environment Agency.
Channel NewsAsia 21 Aug 15;

SINGAPORE: Hazy conditions in Singapore improved on Friday (Aug 21) morning, though "slight haziness" is still expected at night, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).

At 6pm, the 3-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) reading was 81, while the 24-hour PSI was recorded at 68-74, within the Moderate range. "Nonetheless, we can still experience slight haziness tonight," NEA said.

The recent hazy conditions have been due to smoke from fires in Sumatra and 120 hotspots were detected on the Indonesian island the day before. However only two hotspots were detected in Sumatra on Friday due to "cloud cover over the island", NEA stated.

The agency also said that "occasional slightly hazy conditions" can be expected on Saturday, with prevailing winds forecast to blow from the southwest. Thundery showers are expected in the late morning and early afternoon, NEA added.

The agency also advised people who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children and those with chronic heart and lung conditions, to seek medical attention. "Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, everyone can continue with normal activities," it added.

The three-hour PSI briefly crossed the 100-mark on Thursday, though the 24-hour reading remained in the Moderate range.

- CNA/hs