S’pore May Experience Haze As More Hotspots In Sumatra Crop Up

Prepare for trouble…

And make it double.

Or at least that’s what the National Environment Agency (NEA) seems to be insinuating as it unveiled some pretty hazy news: the number of hot spots detected in Sumatra has soared from 113 last Saturday (7 Sept) to 333 on Sunday…

And Singapore may just be implicated in the entire ruckus as well. 

S’pore May Experience Haze As More Hotspots In Sumatra Crop Up

Miss the hazy weather conditions that have plagued us since 10,000 BC?

Well, worry not because they’ll be back. Pretty soon. Most likely.

As mentioned, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the number of hot spots detected in Sumatra increased from 113 last Saturday (7 September) to 333 on Sunday. And apparently, that might mean a bit of haze on our end.

Or maybe more than a bit.

This is because winds are expected to resume blowing from the south-east or south, and may expel air from these hot spots in Indonesia to the Strait of Malacca.

But Hey, Don’t Spam Buy Masks Just Yet

Despite the hazy implications, the NEA has predicted “generally fair conditions” for Singapore over the next few days. So no worries.

Also, they will reportedly provide updates when required on their website. So all’s cool.

Incidentally, as of 10am on Monday (9 September), the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hovered between 71 and 79, in the moderate range of the Index. This was an apparent increase from the 63 to 69 reading recorded at 6pm yesterday (8 September).

At 10am on Monday, the PM2.5 level was between 24 and 30, in band 1 (normal) of the PM2.5 scale. According to NEA, PM2.5 concentration readings are a reasonable indicator of current air quality, and concerned parties can utilise these findings as a decision-maker for outdoor jogs and whatnot.

“How do these PM2.5 readings even work?” you ask.

According to Straits Times, PM2.5 readings operate by measuring the concentration of tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (or around one-thirtieth the diameter of a human hair) in the air.

Anyway, Should I Prep My MC Just In Case?

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Haze so jialat, how to go out work like that?” you demand. “Better go polyclinic claim my MC ah!”

Well, before you do rush to a polyclinic, hear me out.

See, the NEA has stated that the health impact of haze is also dependent on one’s health status and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. So unless you’re not feeling well, are elderly or young, or possess chronic heart or lung conditions…

You’ll probably be fine without medical attention.

But hey, if you’re still really worried about it, you can always head to the NEA website www.nea.gov.sg for further updates.

It’s better to have a clear understanding of the situation than a hazy one, isn’t it?