Singapore residents enjoyed clearer skies and improved air quality on Sunday, October 18, as a change in wind direction helped reduce the amount of smoke haze drifting from Indonesia. However, air pollution levels remained unhealthy across the island, and authorities warned that haze could return from Tuesday night.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said winds had shifted to blow from the south, improving conditions despite continued smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan. Haze was also observed over Sumatra.
At 6pm on Sunday, one-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) readings were in the normal range in northern Singapore, at 36 micrograms per cubic metre. The eastern, central, western and southern regions recorded elevated readings ranging from 66 to 69.
Despite the improvement in hourly pollution levels, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remained in the unhealthy range. The western region recorded the highest reading of 192, while northern Singapore had the lowest at 109.
Showers may help improve air quality
For Monday, October 19, NEA forecast showers over Singapore and surrounding areas. Winds were expected to blow from the south-southeast or south, potentially limiting the movement of smoke haze from Kalimantan towards the island.
However, some haze from Sumatra could continue drifting into Singapore, meaning air quality may remain unsettled even if the skies appear clearer.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre reported that the number of detected hotspots in Kalimantan rose to 110 on October 17, while the number in Sumatra fell to 11. Hotspots are indicators of possible fires, although satellite detection does not necessarily confirm that every hotspot represents an active fire.
Haze could return from Tuesday night
NEA warned that winds could turn east-southeasterly from Tuesday night, potentially carrying smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan towards Singapore overnight.
The changing wind direction means that Sunday’s improvement may not last, particularly if fires continue burning in Indonesia. Residents are advised to monitor the latest air-quality readings rather than relying solely on visibility or how clear the sky looks.
The haze situation has been especially concerning in recent weeks. Singapore has experienced an extended period of unhealthy air quality, with pollution levels at times reaching the very unhealthy range.
Residents urged to check PM2.5 readings
Authorities advise the public to use the 24-hour PSI forecast when planning outdoor activities for the following day and the one-hour PM2.5 readings to assess immediate conditions.
Healthy individuals should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor exercise when the forecast is unhealthy. Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with chronic heart or lung conditions should take additional precautions and follow NEA’s health advisories.
The latest updates are available through NEA’s haze information portal and the myENV mobile application.
Although Sunday’s clearer skies offered some relief, the continuing presence of fires in Indonesia and the possibility of shifting winds mean Singapore’s haze situation remains uncertain. Residents should stay alert to changing air quality as the week progresses.
