Singapore Haze Eases Slightly, But Air Quality Forecast to Remain Moderate to Unhealthy

Singapore’s air quality improved slightly on Tuesday (Sept 15), but haze conditions are expected to persist, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast to remain in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range.

At 6pm, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 92 to 131 across Singapore. Central Singapore recorded the highest reading at 131, followed by the western region at 114 and the eastern region at 113.

The northern and southern regions recorded PSI readings within the moderate range by Tuesday evening, marking an improvement from earlier in the day.

The situation had been more serious overnight and into Tuesday morning. All five regions briefly entered the unhealthy range, with central Singapore recording a PSI of 153 at 7am.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the haze was linked to moderate to dense smoke plumes from fires in Kalimantan drifting towards Singapore, as well as smoke haze from southern Sumatra.

Prevailing winds were expected to continue blowing from the southeast to east-southeast, while dry conditions were forecast to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region. These conditions could allow transboundary haze to continue affecting the Republic.

The NEA said the 24-hour PSI forecast for the next 24 hours remained in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range.

Health advisories vary according to the PSI level and individual vulnerability. When the PSI is in the unhealthy range, healthy people are advised to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. Elderly people, pregnant women and children should minimise such activity, while people with chronic lung or heart conditions should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor exertion.

The agency also stressed that the one-hour PM2.5 reading is more useful when deciding whether to carry out outdoor activities immediately, while the 24-hour PSI forecast can be used to plan activities for the following day.

With dry conditions and smoke from regional fires continuing to affect air quality, Singapore residents can expect haze conditions to remain changeable in the coming days.