SINGAPORE — Singapore is once again watching the skies as fires across Indonesia intensify, with authorities warning that occasional periods of haze could reach the Republic if dry conditions and regional hotspots persist.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Monday, August 24, that it had detected an escalation in hotspot and smoke-haze activity over the weekend, particularly across Kalimantan and southern Sumatra. Smoke plumes were also observed in Riau.
Despite the renewed concern, Singapore’s air quality remained in the moderate range as of Monday afternoon. At 2pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged from 68 to 91, with the Central region recording 91. Singapore classifies PSI readings of 101 to 200 as unhealthy.
NEA said prevailing winds from the south or southeast could transport smoke towards Singapore, creating occasional periods of haze if the fires continue or worsen.
Why Singapore Is Watching Indonesia Closely
The latest warning comes as Indonesia battles a growing number of forest and land fires during an unusually hot and dry period.
NEA’s regional haze monitoring indicates that hotspot and smoke activity has increased across parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Dry conditions are expected to continue across much of the southern ASEAN region, while winds are forecast to generally blow from the southeast to southwest.
That combination is important because haze does not automatically travel from every fire to Singapore. The location and intensity of the fires, the amount of smoke produced, atmospheric conditions and — most importantly — wind direction all influence whether pollution crosses the sea.
The current situation therefore represents a heightened risk, not a declaration that Singapore is facing an unhealthy haze episode.
PSI Is Rising — But Singapore Has Not Crossed the Unhealthy Threshold
The latest readings show why authorities are keeping a close watch.
As of 2pm Monday, Singapore’s 24-hour PSI ranged from 68 to 91, remaining in the moderate band. The one-hour PM2.5 readings ranged from 34 to 65 micrograms per cubic metre, falling within the normal and elevated ranges.
Under Singapore’s air-quality classification:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Moderate
- 101–200: Unhealthy
- 201–300: Very unhealthy
- Above 300: Hazardous
NEA has said it will issue daily haze advisories if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 100.
The Government Haze Task Force, made up of 28 public agencies and chaired by NEA, is also prepared to activate its response plans if air quality deteriorates into the unhealthy range.
Indonesia’s Fires Are Becoming a Wider Regional Problem
The situation is not limited to Singapore.
Indonesia has been stepping up firefighting operations as fires spread across parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra. President Prabowo Subianto visited affected areas in Kalimantan over the weekend and ordered additional resources, including helicopters, water pumps and firefighting equipment. Three additional military battalions were also deployed to reinforce firefighting operations.
The Straits Times reported that more than 200,000 hectares of land across Indonesia had burned between January and July, amid dry conditions associated with a strong El Niño pattern.
The scale of the fires has also prompted investigations. Four companies in West Kalimantan are reportedly under investigation over possible links to fires, with Indonesian authorities warning that licences could be revoked if violations are established.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that Indonesian police had arrested 72 people suspected of starting recent forest and peatland fires, with investigations covering 89 fire-related cases across several provinces in Borneo and Sumatra.
Haze Has Already Hit Parts of Malaysia
The regional impact is already visible across Malaysia.
Sarawak has experienced unhealthy air quality linked to smoke from the fires, prompting authorities to temporarily close hundreds of schools. CNA reported that 591 schools across 10 districts were ordered closed for two days from August 20 as haze conditions worsened.
AP subsequently reported that nearly 600 schools were affected, impacting roughly 200,000 students.
The situation demonstrates how quickly smoke from Indonesian fires can become a cross-border problem when weather and wind conditions align.
El Niño Adds Another Layer of Risk
Weather conditions are another major factor.
Singapore’s Meteorological Service previously warned that the country could experience hazy conditions if fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan intensified. The agency also said Singapore was experiencing a mostly dry August, with rainfall below average during the first half of the month.
The Singapore Institute of International Affairs has separately warned of a high risk of severe transboundary haze across Southeast Asia during the remainder of 2026, identifying August and September as the peak danger period amid hotter and drier conditions associated with El Niño.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre has also raised its regional haze alert to Level 2, indicating an increasing risk of transboundary haze.
What Singapore Residents Should Do Now
For now, authorities are monitoring rather than declaring an unhealthy haze episode.
NEA advises residents to check real-time air-quality information through its website, haze microsite and myENV application, particularly before planning prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
People should pay attention not only to the 24-hour PSI but also to one-hour PM2.5 readings, which can provide a more immediate indication of particulate pollution.
NEA has previously advised reducing outdoor activity and physical exertion if haze worsens and staying hydrated. People with chronic heart or lung conditions should ensure that their medication is readily available, while vulnerable groups who develop symptoms should seek medical attention.
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