SINGAPORE – An unwelcome guest appears to have made its yearly return, as Singaporeans woke up to hazy skies on Friday (Aug 26).
A strong burning smell could also be detected across the island.
As of 10am, the National Environment Agenc’s (NEA) 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) was 51-62, still at he low end of the moderate level.
The three-hour PSI reading was 111.
Meanwhile, the one-hour PSI was highest in western Singapore, with a reading of 150. It was lowest in the east at 33.
NEA introduced bands and descriptors for the one-hour PSI readings in June this year to help the public better plan their daily activities.
However, health advisories are still based on the 24-hour PSI reading, rather than shorter-term measures which can fluctuate quite a bit over the course of the day.
On social media, netizens began posting photos of the hazy skyline, commenting that visibility had deteriorated and wondering whether the haze had returned.
However, some netizens took a lighter approach, with one joking that the haze was being caused by Pokemon Go creatures Koffing and Weezing.
Last year, Singapore experienced one of its worst haze outbreaks ever, forcing schools across the island to close as the air quality nearly reached hazardous levels.
AFP, Reuters, The Straits Times
seanyap@sph.com.sg
