The hazy conditions have worsened in Singapore, with the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) reaching to an unhealthy level at 170 as at 2pm today.

In his Facebook posting, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: “We are monitoring the situation closely and will stay in close touch with the Indonesian authorities.

NONE “We are all affected by the haze. Farmers and plantation owners in Sumatra are burning crops to clear land in the dry season, and unfortunately the winds are blowing the smoke all the way to Singapore.

“Ministers Vivian (Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan) and Shanmugam (Foreign Affairs Minister and Law Minister K Shanmugam) have called their Indonesian counterparts to register our serious concerns and offer our help to fight the fires,” Lee said.

Meanwhile, the prime minister advised Singaporeans to stay indoors whenever they can, especially children, seniors and those prone to respiratory problems.

In its update, the National Environment Agency said south-west monsoon conditions had onset over the region since the beginning of the week, with low-level winds blowing predominantly from the south-east or south-west.

NONE The south-west monsoon season typically lasts from June to September, the traditional dry season for the southern Asean region.

 In the coming months, occasional extended periods of drier weather can be expected in the region.

During the season, increased hotspot activities may also be expected in Sumatra and Borneo.

In addition, transboundary smoke haze could affect the region during periods of persistent dry weather conditions.

Weather conditions in the region have become drier and an increase in hotspot activities has been observed mainly over central Sumatra.

It was reported that 113 and 187 hotspots were detected over Sumatra on June 17 and 18 respectively.  

The smoke haze from the fires in Sumatra has been brought over by prevailing winds blowing from the south-west or west, and has affected Singapore since June 13.

The hazy conditions are expected to persist for the next few days.

- Bernama