We have been quite lucky over the past few weeks, and haven’t been affected too badly by the haze caused by the Indonesian fires. Earlier this month, we had a couple of hazy days where the flights were disrupted, but other than that it’s been mostly blue skies.
Unfortunately the haze has come back to bother us in Koh Samui, and we woke to hazy skies yesterday and again today. The Air Quality Index (PM10) peaked at 154 this afternoon and fortunately it’s now back down at 72. Anything over 150 is considered unhealthy, and below 100 is considered moderate with no health concerns.
We were out paddling this morning when it was hazy, but the air quality was still moderate. It’s quite eery to be out paddling in these conditions, especially when the water is so glassy, like it was today.
Flights in and out of Samui have been affected today. Some flights were re-directed to Phuket, and others have been delayed and cancelled.
We’ll keep an eye on the conditions over the next few days, and make sure we only take paddlers out when the conditions are right. Let’s hope we get some rain and wind to clear the skies.
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Note: Air Quality Index (PM10) readings for Surat Thani, sourced from the Regional Environmental Office website.