- The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre has lowered the haze alert level for southern Southeast Asia from Level 2 to Level 1.
- Rainfall has increased in the past week, resulting in diminished hotspot activities over Sumatra, and thus less transboundary haze affecting Singapore.
- The National Environment Agency (NEA) will suspend issuing daily haze advisories, but will continue to monitor the situation.
Good news to all residing in Singapore!
The National Environment Agency reports that the haze situation in Singapore is seeing notable improvement.
With the lower haze alert level and increased rainfall, you may need to dust off that umbrella of yours rather than your N95 masks.
Time to rejoice?
Staring through the Misty Veil: Current Haze Condition
Have you noticed fewer smoke filters on Instagram pictures?
It’s not a trending hashtag gone old, but a sign of clearing skies over Singapore.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre has taken us from a Level 2 haze alert to Level 1 (read as: more sunshine).
Why such buoyant news?
Showers have graced Singapore and the surrounding region in the past week, pulling down the number of smoke-belching hotspots over Sumatra.
In short, less smoke is making its way over to our sunny island.
Battling the Grey Ghost: Past Haze Incidents and Measures Taken
Go back in memory lane.
You might recall days when the city skyline was more a blurry silhouette than the stunning postcard material.
Yes, we are talking about the haze problem.
Our past encounters with haze haven’t always been pleasant.
The government went all guns blazing with measures like health advisories, air quality forecasts, and promoting use of N95 masks.
Still, the spoilsport haze often managed to damper outdoor activities.
Holding the Fort: Current Preventative Measures and Guidelines
While the lower haze alert level might tempt you to discard your N95 masks and hit the outdoors raw, pause a second.
The NEA advises you to make it slow and steady.
That’s because they’re suspending daily haze advisories but will continue to keep a vigilant eye on the situation.
So, while we are seeing the upside, it doesn’t mean that you can ditch all rules and precautions.
Keep those N95 masks at hand and be ready to minimise outdoor activities if the need arises.
Mother Nature to the Rescue: Impact of the Inter-Monsoon Season
Apparently, nature too has a soft corner for Singapore.
The upcoming inter-monsoon season is expected to – no drumrolls required here – bring more showers over the region.
A sweet lullaby indeed for the feisty hotspots that leads to haziness.
Not just that.
This period also comes with light, docile winds.
So, the chances of transboundary haze taking an unwelcome vacation to Singapore is quite low for the rest of 2023.
Guarding Your Health: Tips and Precautions
So, what can we do as responsible citizens other than hoping for more rain and less wind?
Follow the health advisories put out by NEA for starters.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it has never been more true.
Beyond this, there’s plenty more that we can do.
A major one being striving to maintain indoor air quality.
Implementing minor modifications to our lifestyle, like running air purifiers and keeping windows closed when the haze peaks, can protect our lung health.
And of course, do not forget to drink plenty water.
So, are you ready to welcome clearer skies and say temporary goodbye to haze related woes?
Remember, while the winds of change are blowing in our favour, keeping our guard up will do us no harm.
After all, who wouldn’t like to enjoy a clearer, healthier skyline?
