Singapore’s air quality improved on Tuesday (Sept 15), with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) returning to the moderate range in the northern and southern regions.
The northern region had recorded unhealthy air quality for about 10 hours from 1am before improving at 10am, while the southern region spent about 14 hours in the unhealthy range before returning to moderate levels at 11am.
As of 6pm, Singapore’s 24-hour PSI readings ranged from 92 to 131. The central region recorded the highest reading at 131, followed by the western region at 114 and the eastern region at 113.
The 1-hour PM2.5 readings remained in the elevated range, measuring between 43 and 74 micrograms per cubic metre across Singapore at 6pm.
The improvement came after all five regions had entered the unhealthy PSI range earlier on Tuesday, marking the first time since September 2019 that all regions had recorded unhealthy readings at the same time.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said dry conditions continued over Singapore and forecast the 24-hour PSI to remain in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range.
Smoke plumes from fires in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra have contributed to the haze affecting Singapore, with prevailing winds carrying smoke towards the Republic.
The NEA advises residents to use the 1-hour PM2.5 reading when deciding on immediate outdoor activities, while the 24-hour PSI forecast can be used to plan activities ahead.
When the PSI is in the unhealthy range, healthy people are advised to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity. Those more vulnerable to the effects of haze are advised to take additional precautions.
Leave a Reply