Air quality in Singapore continues to pose health concerns as haze blankets the island, keeping pollution levels within the unhealthy range. As of October 6, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings were recorded at 107 in the north, 112 in the east, 117 in the west, and 130 in the central region. The southern part of the island was the only area with a moderate PSI reading of 95, where a PSI between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy.
The elevated pollution levels are attributed to smoke drifting from Kalimantan and southern Sumatra in Indonesia, exacerbated by dry conditions leading to moderate to dense smoke plumes. Winds from the southeast and east-southeast are expected to continue pushing the haze towards Singapore, as per meteorological forecasts.
In addition to the PSI, fine particle pollution, measured as PM2.5, was also high. The PM2.5 levels reached 56 in the east, 59 in the west, and 60 in the central region, with the south and north recording 35 and 48, respectively. Singapore’s haze situation has intensified since September, with the PSI peaking at 164 in the central region on September 29.
The prolonged haze has raised concerns about the persistence of dry conditions, particularly as weather patterns linked to a strong El Niño could delay the arrival of the wetter season in parts of Southeast Asia. This delay may extend the period of poor air quality for the region.
Authorities have indicated that the 24-hour PSI could remain in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range as these dry conditions persist. The situation is being closely monitored, with public advisories likely to be issued if the air quality does not improve.