Typhoon Malakas could bring slight haze: NEA

Channel NewsAsia 15 Sep 16;

SINGAPORE: Singapore could see slightly hazy conditions in the coming days, with a typhoon off the Philippines expected to bring a shift in prevailing winds in the region, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday (Sep 15).

In a statement, the NEA noted that Typhoon Malakas, currently located east of northern Philippines, is forecast to move northwestward in the next few days, and this is expected to bring a shift in the prevailing winds in the surrounding region to blow from the southwest or west.

Dry weather conditions are expected over parts of central and southern Sumatra, said NEA, and there is a possibility that Singapore could experience slightly hazy conditions if hotspot activities increase in central Sumatra.

The agency said it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates when necessary.

NEA added that no hotspots were detected in central Sumatra on Thursday, and the prevailing winds on Friday are forecast to blow from the southwest or west-southwest, with thundery showers expected in Singapore in the late morning and early afternoon.

Singapore's 1-hour PM2.5 concentration over the next 24 hours is expected to stay in Band I (Normal). Overall, the PSI for the next 24 hours is forecast to be in the Moderate range.

- CNA/dt