Rain keeps haze away, clear skies likely for next 7 days
Frequent rainfall has put out forest fires in central Sumatra and ensured that Malaysia stays haze-free at least over the next week.
Meteorological Department central forecasting office director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said no hotspots have been detected since Monday in both Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring Indonesia.
Concerns arose last week after a report indicated the increase in hotspots (488) in Sumatra. Of that, 267 were detected in Riau province and 66 in South Sumatra.
“So far, no hotspots have been detected. The main factor for this is because of the frequent rainfall," Helmi was quoted as saying by The Star.
However, he noted that there could be other hotspots elsewhere but the department has been unable to receive data due to the thick cloud cover which has “blocked our satellite view".
The wind has also been a factor in keeping our skies clear.
“The wind that is blowing these haze particles is moving very slowly at 10kph to 20kph," Helmi said, adding that it also helped that it was blowing in different directions.
“Based on current conditions, we can say that the haze will not be making its way here for the next seven days,” he said.
Malaysia experienced its worst haze this year in June with the API even going above 700 in Muar, Johor. Several other parts of Malaysia recorded hazardous levels as well. Schools in Johor, Malacca, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur were forced to close.
The haze from Indonesia affects countries in the region during the dry season between May and September. Indonesian farmers clearing land for the planting season compound the problem caused by peat fires and also the burning of forests to make way for agriculture. – September 4, 2013.
