SINGAPORE: Singapore has not been affected by transboundary haze despite smoke plumes being detected in Sumatra in recent days, as prevailing winds are mostly blowing from the south-east over Singapore and the vicinity, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Tuesday (July 22).
The regional hot spot and haze situation should improve as wetter conditions are expected to return over the weekend, NEA said in response to queries from The Straits Times.
Worsening fires in forests and peatlands in Sumatra have put Indonesia’s western region on high alert.
According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, the number of hot spots – places with intense heat suggesting forest fires – in Sumatra has soared from 94 to more than 1,000 in 10 days in July.
Two regencies in the West Sumatra province where more hot spots were reported – Solok and Lima Puluh Kota – declared a state of emergency on July 22.
Haze pollution in the area has spread to Malaysia, which recorded unhealthy air pollution index readings in four locations on July 22.
Amid the worsening situation, the Singapore-based Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) had on July 19 raised its alert level for transboundary haze in the region to level two, which indicates an increasing risk of transboundary haze.
Detailing the update to its alert level on its website, ASMC said: “Prevailing dry weather conditions over the southern Asean region in recent days have led to an escalation in hot spot and smoke haze activities.”
The centre said satellite surveillance showed moderate smoke haze emanating from clusters of hot spots detected in the central parts of Sumatra, and some transboundary haze was observed drifting into western Peninsular Malaysia.
“Few hot spots were also detected elsewhere in southern Asean region,” added ASMC.
Forest fires are an annual problem in Indonesia that strains relations with neighbouring countries.
In recent years, smoke from the fires has blanketed parts of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and southern Thailand.
According to data from NEA, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings ranged between 52 and 65 at 8pm on July 22.
A PSI reading of 51 to 100 is in the moderate range. Under these circumstances, people can continue with their usual activities.
Unhealthy air quality is registered when PSI levels are between 101 and 200.
NEA said the dry season for the southern Asean region is expected to last till October. During this period, the region may experience dry conditions, and the hot spot and smoke haze situation may escalate at times.
Depending on prevailing wind conditions, this might increase the risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore, added NEA.
The agency added that it closely monitors the regional weather and haze situation, and provides daily updates via the Meteorological Service Singapore’s website and the haze microsite haze.gov.sg
The public can also refer to updates on the ASMC website. - The Straits Times/ANN
