Air quality in Singapore improved on Wednesday, September 16, with all five regions recording 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index readings in the moderate range.
At 11am, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 74 to 99 across the island, with the highest reading recorded in the central region. One-hour PM2.5 readings were also in the normal range, between 20 and 26.
The improvement follows several days of hazy conditions that pushed air quality into the unhealthy range in parts of Singapore earlier in the week.
The National Environment Agency said overnight showers in parts of the surrounding region had helped improve the haze situation. However, winds from the east-southeast and southeast continued to carry smoke haze from parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra towards Singapore.
Despite the latest improvement, the risk of transboundary haze remains. NEA said dry conditions are expected to continue over central and southern Sumatra and southern Kalimantan in the coming days.
The agency has advised residents to monitor one-hour PM2.5 readings when deciding whether to take part in outdoor activities in the immediate hours ahead.
For activities planned for the following day, residents are advised to refer to the 24-hour PSI forecast and accompanying health advisories.
The latest conditions provide some relief after Singapore experienced a deterioration in air quality earlier in the week, when several regions recorded unhealthy PSI readings.
With dry weather continuing in parts of Indonesia, authorities remain alert to the possibility that smoke could once again affect Singapore if fires persist and winds carry the haze across the region.
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