Haze Pushes Central Singapore Air Quality Back Into Unhealthy Range

Singapore’s air quality in the central region deteriorated again on Sept 17, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching 102 and entering the unhealthy range.

The reading was recorded at 9pm, after air quality across Singapore had remained in the moderate range for most of the previous day.

The western region recorded the next-highest PSI at 93, while readings in the north, south and east stood at 72, 70 and 81 respectively. These remained within the moderate range.

One-hour PM2.5 readings, which provide a more immediate indication of air quality, were also elevated in central and western Singapore. The central region recorded 93, while the western region registered 64 at 9pm.

The National Environment Agency said smoke haze had drifted towards Singapore from southern and central Sumatra, while smoke plumes were also detected over southwestern Kalimantan.

With winds expected to continue blowing from the southeast to southwest, the agency warned that Singapore could continue to be affected by smoke haze.

NEA’s 24-hour PSI forecast for Singapore was in the high-moderate to low-unhealthy range.

The agency advised people to refer to one-hour PM2.5 readings when deciding whether to take part in outdoor activities in the immediate hours ahead, while the 24-hour PSI forecast can be used when planning activities for the following day.

When one-hour PM2.5 levels are in the elevated band, members of the public are advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activity for the next few hours.

Elderly people, pregnant women, children and those with chronic lung or heart conditions are advised to take greater precautions and avoid or minimise strenuous outdoor activity when conditions worsen.

For the general population, short-term exposure to haze can cause temporary symptoms such as eye or throat irritation.

The latest deterioration comes amid continued dry conditions in parts of southern Sumatra and southern Kalimantan, where smoke from fires has contributed to hazy conditions affecting Singapore.

With dry weather and prevailing winds expected to persist, authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as air quality fluctuates across the island.