Haze clearing up for Singapore F1

Red Bull's Max Verstappen takes photos with fans at the paddock of the Singapore Grand Prix. (Straits Times)

SINGAPORE—The Formula 1 weekend looks set to rev off under relatively clear skies, although hazy conditions could persist over the weekend.

At 10 a.m. on Friday morning, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), a measure of air quality here, was in the moderate range across Singapore.

Favorable winds had kept the pollution from forest fires in Indonesia at bay.

This is an improvement from the unhealthy air quality experienced here over the past week.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said it expects the 24-hour PSI over the next day to range between the high end of the moderate range and the low end of the unhealthy range.

The 1-hour PM2.5 readings are forecast to fluctuate between the normal and elevated bands.

“It’s not a concern at all. Whatever the conditions are, it’ll be the same for everyone,” said Red Bull’s Dutch star Max Verstappen, who has won two races this season and arrives in Singapore third in the overall standings.

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At 10 p.m., the 24-hour PSI reading was 66-67 in the moderate range, while the 1-hour PM2.5 reading was 18-35 micrograms per cubic m in the normal band.

But in the coming days, the agency said dry weather is expected to persist over south Sumatra, the origin of most of the haze Singapore is experiencing.

If winds blow from that direction, the F1 race could take place under hazy skies, and the PSI could creep into the middle of the unhealthy range.

However, the NEA said showers are expected in south Sumatra at the end of the month, and this could provide some respite. (Straits Times)