“In terms of air pollution levels in Singapore homes, particularly for PM2.5, we see that the levels during the peak period in Singaporean homes, averaged about three times higher than the average WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines,” said Mr Teo.
PROLONGED DRY SEASON
With the double whammy of an expected El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), this year’s dry season could be more “intense and prolonged” compared to recent years, lasting until October, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (Met Service).
The period between June and September is the usual dry season for Singapore and the surrounding region.
A positive IOD causes sea surface temperatures in the eastern Indian Ocean to cool, resulting in less cloud formation and below average rainfall in the eastern Indian Ocean and surrounding regions, including Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.
The Met Service said last month that the government’s Inter-Agency Haze Task Force is coordinating action plans in preparation for the seasonal air pollution.