Update 23/06/2013 1120am

I’ve updated the article with updated satellite & wind direction.

Is the Haze problem finally over?

The haze problem started around 18/06/2013 & reached a peak of PSI 401 at on Fri 21/06/2013. As for 11am today, the sky look fantastically clear & visibility was >2km. After days of shroud, I can finally see Punggol & Sengkang!

So is this the end of the haze? Let’s look at the satellite images.

Strangely, the key factor seems to be the huge reduction of hotspots from 600+ to 100+ this morning. Is it rain? There are some clouds but I’m not sure they brought rain. The good news is the wind has changed direction and is blowing north.

The reason may just be the Indonesians are putting out the fires themselves. If that’s the case, regional government pressure may be working despite the trash talking from some Indonesian ministers.

Will the haze stay away? As long as there are no new hotspots and efforts to put out the fires continue, I guess we can say the worst is over. However, that doesn’t mean the haze will be over because the peat will still smoke for a while after the fire is put out.

Take care!