Singapore began October with improved air quality after the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) returned to the moderate range across all five regions, following several days of haze and unhealthy readings.
At 8.25am on Oct. 1, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 66 to 82, with the central region recording the highest reading at 82. The improvement followed showers over Singapore and nearby areas that helped reduce haze levels.
The central and western regions returned to the moderate range at about 11pm on Sept. 30, while the southern and western areas had moved out of the unhealthy range earlier that evening. By 11pm, all five regions were recording moderate PSI levels.
The improvement came after Singapore experienced a significant deterioration in air quality on Sept. 29, when all five regions crossed into the unhealthy range. The central region recorded a season-high PSI of 164 that day.
Despite the clearer conditions, haze risks have not disappeared. Dry weather is expected to continue over parts of southern Sumatra and southwestern Kalimantan, while smoke haze may still drift toward Singapore under prevailing southeasterly or southerly winds.
The National Environment Agency has forecast the 24-hour PSI to remain within the moderate to low-unhealthy range, meaning conditions could still fluctuate depending on regional weather, fires and wind direction.
Authorities advise residents to check the one-hour PM2.5 readings when planning immediate outdoor activities and use the 24-hour PSI forecast when planning activities for the following day. When PSI is in the moderate range, normal activities are generally advised; if it reaches the unhealthy range, prolonged or strenuous outdoor exercise should be reduced.
The latest improvement offers temporary relief as Singapore enters October, but the continuing dry conditions in parts of the region mean the haze situation remains subject to change.
