When Daniela Cruz arrived in Singapore last week, hazy skies obscured the picture-perfect sights she had seen on social media, offering a different view of the city state from the one she had expected.
The 27-year-old bank associate had travelled from Australia for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, but the smoky weather dampened her experience. “The buildings we saw on social media were covered in haze, and it made conditions extremely hot and humid,” she said.
The haze blanketing Singapore’s skies over the three-day event raised fears of disruption. On Thursday, a day before racing began, motorsport governing body FIA said the conditions could potentially restrict entertainment acts and outdoor activities.
This was not the first time the marquee event had faced uncertainty due to haze. In 2015 and 2019, organisers introduced precautionary measures, including health advisories and the sale of N95 masks, while both editions of the night race proceeded without major disruption, as did last weekend’s event.