Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Air quality in central Singapore moved back into the unhealthy range on Saturday as hazy conditions returned to parts of the city. The deterioration was recorded after several days in which pollution levels had moved between moderate and unhealthy categories. The 24-hour air quality reading in the central region crossed the level considered unhealthy during the afternoon. Other parts of Singapore remained within the moderate range at the time, although authorities have continued to monitor the situation because dry weather and smoke from regional fires could affect conditions. The latest development has again brought attention to the ongoing haze situation across Singapore. The National Environment Agency has been issuing regular updates as smoke from fires in parts of Indonesia continues to drift towards the island under prevailing winds.

Central Region Crosses Into Unhealthy Category

The central region recorded a 24-hour reading of 102 at 1pm on Saturday, moving above the threshold for unhealthy air. The reading subsequently increased to 105 at 2pm. Singapore's air-quality scale classifies readings from 0 to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate and 101 to 200 as unhealthy. Higher levels are classified as very unhealthy or hazardous. At the same time, the other regions remained in the moderate category. The readings reported during the afternoon were 82 in the north, 93 in the west, 89 in the east and 78 in the south, while the central region stood at 105. The latest figures show that air quality remains uneven across Singapore, with the central area experiencing the most significant deterioration at that point in the day.

Haze Conditions Have Fluctuated In Recent Weeks

The latest deterioration is part of a wider pattern in which air-quality readings have moved in and out of the unhealthy range during September. Singapore's central region had recorded unhealthy conditions earlier in the week, while on September 15 all five regions of the country entered the unhealthy category at different points. The current episode therefore comes amid an extended period of haze monitoring. The National Environment Agency has warned that air-quality conditions can change depending on wind direction, rainfall and the development of fires in neighbouring areas. 

Smoke From Indonesia Drifting Towards Singapore

The ongoing Singapore haze situation is being linked to smoke plumes from fires in parts of Indonesia. According to the National Environment Agency, smoke plumes from fires in Kalimantan were observed drifting towards Singapore. Smoke plumes were also observed over southern Sumatra. The prevailing winds are expected to blow from the east-southeast or southeast, creating conditions that could carry smoke towards Singapore if fires continue. The agency has said that dry conditions are expected to persist over parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. This raises the possibility of further fluctuations in air quality in Singapore over the coming days. The regional situation is closely monitored because transboundary smoke can affect Singapore even when the fires themselves are located outside the country.

What The PSI Reading Means For Residents

The Singapore air quality reading is based on the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index, commonly known as PSI. The index provides an indication of overall air conditions and is used by authorities as part of their public health guidance. When the 24-hour PSI is in the unhealthy range, the National Environment Agency advises healthy people to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity. For elderly people, children and pregnant women, the agency advises minimising prolonged or strenuous outdoor exertion. People with chronic lung or heart conditions are advised to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity when the PSI reaches the unhealthy range. The agency also recommends checking the one-hour PM2.5 reading when making decisions about immediate outdoor activities, as this provides more short-term information about fine particulate pollution.

PM2.5 Remains An Important Indicator During Haze

Fine particulate matter is an important component of the pollution associated with haze. The one-hour PM2.5 reading measures the concentration of fine particles over a shorter period, while the 24-hour PSI reflects air quality over a longer period. This distinction is important because conditions can change during the day. A location may have a moderate 24-hour reading while short-term particle levels are elevated, or the overall index may move into the unhealthy range after sustained exposure to haze. The National Environment Agency has advised residents to use both indicators according to the type of activity they are planning. For immediate outdoor activities, residents are advised to check the one-hour PM2.5 reading and the corresponding personal health guidance.

Dry Weather Could Keep Haze Risk Elevated

The latest Singapore haze update comes as dry weather continues across parts of the surrounding region. The National Environment Agency has repeatedly highlighted southern Sumatra and Kalimantan as areas where dry conditions and fires can contribute to smoke haze. Prevailing winds then determine whether the smoke moves towards Singapore. In its September 18 advisory, the agency said some showers had occurred over northern parts of Singapore, but dry conditions persisted in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. It also warned that there remained a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore. The situation could therefore continue to fluctuate depending on rainfall and wind patterns. Residents are being encouraged to follow official updates rather than relying only on conditions observed at a particular location.

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Singapore Continues To Monitor Regional Haze

Authorities have been closely tracking the regional situation since the beginning of September. The National Environment Agency said on September 4 that the 24-hour PSI had entered the unhealthy range in the central region, prompting government agencies to activate their haze-related plans and advisories. The agency has continued to issue daily haze advisories when required, providing forecasts and health guidance to help residents plan outdoor activities. The latest development means central Singapore is once again experiencing air quality in the unhealthy category, while the remaining regions were still in the moderate range at the time of the reported readings.

Haze Could Remain A Concern In Coming Days

The current Singapore PSI levels underline the continuing impact of regional smoke haze on the city-state's air quality. With dry conditions forecast over parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan and winds expected from the southeast or east-southeast, the National Environment Agency has warned that smoke haze could continue to affect Singapore if fires persist. For residents, the key concern remains exposure to polluted air during periods when the PSI enters the unhealthy range. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring air quality, regional fires and weather conditions while providing updates and health advisories. The situation remains dependent on weather and regional fire activity, meaning air quality could improve or deteriorate as conditions change.

Why Is Air Quality Unhealthy In Central Singapore?

Central Singapore's air quality moved into the unhealthy range after the 24-hour PSI crossed 100. The National Environment Agency has linked the wider haze risk to smoke from fires in parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan drifting towards Singapore.

What Is The Unhealthy PSI Range In Singapore?

A 24-hour PSI reading from 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy. During such conditions, authorities advise people to reduce or avoid prolonged and strenuous outdoor physical activity depending on their health status.

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