The opaque atmosphere in and around Bangkok during the morning hours of the past few days, including today, is not mist, but haze from the accumulation of PM2.5 dust in the air, according to Somkuan Tonjan, director of the Weather Forecast and Monitoring Division of the Meteorological Department.

He said today that such poor air quality is forecast to persist until Children’s Day this Saturday, as he advised parents to ensure that their children to wear face masks while outdoors.

He explained that, because the humidity in Bangkok and surrounding provinces is around 80%, the white haze seenduring the morning hours is a mixture of smoke or dust and humidity.

The Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation reported today that 48 areas in Bangkok and its vicinity have excessive PM2.5 dust, ranging from 25.2μg to 68.6μg.

Poor air quality is also reported in Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanuloke, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Loei and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Members of the public can get updates on the air quality via the Air4Thai.com and airbkk.com websites and the Air4Thai application.