SINGAPORE, Oct 10 — Showers over several parts of the city-state this afternoon improved air quality slightly with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and one-hour PM2.5 concentration readings easing from 4pm onwards.

At 7pm, PSI ranged from 118 in northern Singapore to 186 in the central region, with the next highest readings of 152 and 150 recorded in western and eastern Singapore respectively.

Meanwhile, one-hour PM2.5, which hit the high-band at 3pm, is now in the elevated band across all five regions. 

The highest concentration reading of 107 was recorded at central Singapore, while the next highest reading of 98 was at the western region.

In its daily haze situation update this evening, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the country’s 24-hour PSI is forecast to be in the unhealthy to high-unhealthy range.

It noted that moderate to dense smoke haze from southern Sumatra was observed to have drifted towards Singapore, while smoke haze was also observed in many parts of Kalimantan.

Data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre shows that the number of hotspots in Sumatra fell to 53 yesterday, but climbed to 214 in Kalimantan.

The agency added that despite showers forecast over Singapore and parts of the surrounding region tomorrow, dry conditions are expected to prevail over parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan.

“Under the prevailing east-southeasterly or southerly winds, smoke haze may continue to drift towards Singapore. 

“The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the unhealthy to high-unhealthy range.”

Members of the public should check the latest one-hour PM2.5 concentration readings before participating in outdoor activities.

Haze Task Force announces next tier of action plans

Yesterday evening, the government’s Haze Task Force, comprising NEA and 28 government agencies said it is prepared for the scenario of air quality reaching the very unhealthy range.

“HTF agencies stand ready to roll out the next tier of action plans and advisories to protect the health and well-being of the public, especially vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic lung and heart diseases.”

It announced various measures such as the distribution of N95 masks for Singaporeans who may be more vulnerable, the opening of haze shelters should PSI cross 201, and advisories relating to preschools, schools and workplaces.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu today reiterated the government’s concern about public health, and said she has been in touch with her Indonesian counterpart.

The minister also revealed that Singapore has offered support in managing forest fires. 

Education Minister Desmond Lee also took to Facebook this evening, reiterating that the health and well-being of students and staff remains his ministry’s top priority.

He also assured parents that lessons and national examinations will continue in enclosed venues with air purifiers, and schools are ready to step up measures if needed. — AsiaOne