Singapore Haze Forecast Remains Moderate to Low Unhealthy as Smoke Drifts From Sumatra

Singapore’s air quality remained in the moderate range on Sept 17, although authorities warned that haze could worsen as smoke from Indonesia continued to drift towards the island.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) forecast the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) to remain between the high-moderate and low-unhealthy ranges.

At 6pm, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 68 to 95 across Singapore, with the highest reading recorded in the central region.

One-hour PM2.5 readings were in the elevated band in three regions. Central Singapore recorded 99, while the western and southern regions recorded 66 and 58 respectively.

The central region had been gradually moving closer to the unhealthy threshold during the day, after air quality improved from the previous afternoon.

NEA said smoke haze had been observed drifting towards Singapore from southern and central Sumatra. Smoke plumes were also detected over southwestern Kalimantan.

With prevailing winds expected to continue blowing from the southeast to southwest, the agency said there was a risk of further smoke haze affecting Singapore.

NEA advised residents to use one-hour PM2.5 readings and the accompanying health guidance when deciding whether to take part in outdoor activities over the next few hours.

For planning activities for the following day, residents were advised to refer to the 24-hour PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories.

Healthy people are advised to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity when the 24-hour PSI reaches the unhealthy range. Elderly people, pregnant women and children are advised to minimise such activities, while people with chronic heart or lung conditions are advised to avoid them.

When one-hour PM2.5 readings are in the elevated band, members of the public are advised to reduce or avoid strenuous outdoor activity depending on their health status.

The latest conditions come as dry weather continues over parts of southern Sumatra and southern Kalimantan, where fires have contributed to smoke haze in the region.

Authorities will continue monitoring the haze situation as wind conditions and air quality fluctuate across Singapore.