SINGAPORE - The air over Singapore turned hazy this morning, March 26, as the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) registered moderate levels, peaking at 75 at 9 am. This unsettling observation comes on the heels of an alarming warning from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), issued on March 17, which highlighted a significant risk of severe transboundary haze due to ongoing dry conditions and a surge in hot spot activities throughout the Mekong region.

Recent data has confirmed that the environmental situation has worsened dramatically. Affected areas include Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, explicitly showcasing the number of hot spots detected: 2,177 on March 15 and 1,941 on March 16, which starkly contrasts with the measly observations of just 164 and 335 hot spots at the beginning of the dry season in early January.

As Singapore finds itself in the north-east monsoon season, the airflow from the north-west and north-east creates the perfect storm for smoke plumes to drift from these hot spots into its skies. While the one-hour PM2.5 readings remain stable, the PSI alert suggests residents remain vigilant, especially as heavy haze has covered vast stretches of Myanmar and northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

The PSI provides a comprehensive measurement of air quality, tracking six pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide. Moderate PSI levels (51 to 100) permit people to carry on with regular activities, but anything above 101 signals unhealthy air, prompting caution among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

The ASMC warns of continued dry conditions in the coming days, albeit with a few isolated showers in southeastern areas. There’s a growing likelihood that hot spot and smoke haze activities will intensify, contributing to worsening air quality across the region.

Residents are advised to stay informed and monitor air quality updates, as conditions can shift rapidly. As the haze situation unfolds, one can only wonder: how will this escalating environmental crisis impact health, travel, and day-to-day life in Singapore and around the region? Stay tuned for updates as the weather and environmental outlook develops.