Singapore’s air quality has improved, moving back into the good-to-moderate range on October 22, after enduring 18 days of unhealthy conditions due to haze. By 3 p.m., the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings across the island were between 71 and 99, allowing residents to safely engage in outdoor activities once again.
The improvement was particularly noted in the western region of Singapore, which was the last area to transition out of the unhealthy category. The PSI there decreased from 101 to 99, marking the end of a period that began on October 5 when PSI readings first exceeded the 101 threshold, indicating unhealthy air quality.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have remained within the normal range island-wide, with one-hour PM2.5 readings recorded between 16 and 39 micrograms per cubic metre at 3 p.m. This development is a positive sign for Singapore’s residents, who have been monitoring air quality closely amid the haze.
Despite the relief, regional haze concerns persist, as satellite imagery continues to identify hotspots in Indonesia. The prevailing winds have so far helped divert much of the smoke away from Singapore, but other areas like Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan, Sumatra, and western Sarawak are experiencing more significant pollution levels.