On this Saturday morning, Singaporeans woke up to a blanket of haze. The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ramped up, hovering in the unhealthy range from 61 to 107, dispelling the city’s usual pristine ambience.
- The air quality in Singapore turned unhealthy, with PSI readings reaching a high of 107, particularly in the east.
- The unfortunate change in wind direction caused an influx of smoke plumes from southern and central Sumatra, worsening the haze conditions.
- The National Environment Agency (NEA) has advised Singaporeans to reduce outdoor activities and cautioned that the haze might stick around if the fires continue.
The Straits Times shares how the change in wind direction caused the lighter haze to insurgently blow towards Singapore from Sumatra, resulting in deteriorated air quality.
A Breath of Poor Air Quality
Pollution doesn’t respect borders. Unbeknown to most, the haze isn’t home-grown; it is a visitor from Sumatra. The change in wind direction caused haze particles from Sumatra’s hot spots to waft into Singapore, leading to the deteriorating air quality.
The highest PSI reading of 107 was recorded in the eastern region of Singapore, shrouding the city in a mask of poor air quality. As a result, the city’s lustre dimmed somewhat as the haze danced around street corners and coiled around skyrise buildings.
Protecting Public Health Amidst the Haze
With the PSI crossing into an unhealthy range, the National Environment Agency (NEA) promptly issued haze advisories to healthcare institutions, workplaces, and schools. These advisories serve to provide trusted information and health advisory messages to better prepare the public during haze episodes.
“The air quality in Singapore entered the unhealthy range on Saturday morning,” cautioned NEA. To protect the public from the detrimental health effects of haze, the agency also advised people to cut down on strenuous outdoor physical activities.
Awakening Haze Memories & Preparation
The current haze brings forth memories of the dense smoke that choked Singapore in 2015. “The most severe haze conditions in Singapore were experienced in 2015, when the 24-hour PSI crossed 300 to hit the hazardous range on Sept 24,” reminds The Straits Times.
Yet, with each haze alert comes the opportunity to better prepare and respond. The HomeTeamNS’s annual Real Run 23 demonstrated flexibility, choosing to amend the format of their events. The 10-km competitive race was smoothly converted to a non-competitive run while the 5-km non-competitive run and 2.4-km fun walk proceeded as planned.
Haze in Singapore: Looking Ahead
The haze may be an annual issue, but it doesn’t mean Singaporeans have to accept it with resignation. As a community, everyone can play their part in minimising the effects of haze and maintaining good health.
Stay updated with Singapore’s haze condition with the NEA’s daily haze advisory. Start adjusting your activities and habits now to prepare for the potential worsening of the haze condition.
