Cloud cover hinders hotspot detection, but winds could still bring haze from persistent fires: NEA

Over the past few days, many have taken to social media to complain of a burnt smell, with some saying it has irritated their noses and throats. 

On Saturday, NEA said PM2.5 levels in the eastern part of Singapore were “slightly elevated”, referring to fine inhalable particles in the air measuring up to 2.5 micrometres in diameter.  

It noted complaints from some residents of a faint burnt smell, adding that it was likely due to a detected hotspot and smoke plume in Johor near Singapore. 

On Monday, NEA said that it continued to observe hotspots to the north of Singapore due to vegetation fires, and that some smoke haze could be transported over due to the prevailing winds blowing from the north or northeast.

The 24-hour PSI ranged from 43 to 56, in the good-to-moderate range, at the time of its Facebook post.

“While a burning smell may be noticeable, it does not always result in a significant change to air quality reading,” added NEA.