Expect haze comeback as hot spots spike in Sumatra

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http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/spectre-haze-hot-spots-spike

With a “sharp increase” in the number of hot spots detected in parts of Indonesia over the past few days, a shift in the wind direction could bring back the haze, the National Environment Agency (NEA) warned yesterday.

The number of hot spots detected yesterday was 488 — similar to that recorded when Singapore experienced its worst bout of haze on record in June, when the PSI hit 401.

As at 7pm yesterday, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading was 24 to 32, and the 24-hour PM2.5 reading was 12-15 micrograms per cubic metre.

The NEA said dry weather conditions are expected to prevail in central and southern Sumatra, while the low-level winds over Singapore are expected to blow from the south or south-east.

The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, hosted by the Meteorological Service Singapore, has placed Sumatra on Alert Level 2 — out of three levels — of its regional warning system for the fire and haze situation. Level 2 is activated when 150 hot spots or more are detected on two consecutive days, with dry weather conditions persisting and prevailing winds blowing towards other ASEAN countries.

The public — including the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic medical conditions — can still continue with normal activities for the day. The NEA said it will update the public if there are any changes in the haze situation.