Singapore’s haze reached a new seasonal high on Friday, 9 October 2026, when the central region recorded a 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) of 177 at 11am.
Every other region was also in the unhealthy range at that hour, with readings between 119 and 168.
Unhealthy Air Quality Across Singapore
The 11am readings were:
| Region | 24-Hour PSI |
|---|---|
| Central | 177 |
| West | 168 |
| South | 157 |
| East | 151 |
| North | 119 |
The central region had the highest reading, followed by the west.
On the PSI scale, readings from 101 to 200 fall within the unhealthy category. The next category, very unhealthy, starts at 201.
Central Singapore’s one-hour PM2.5 concentration also reached 152 micrograms per cubic metre at 11am, putting it in the high band. The other four regions remained in the elevated band, with concentrations ranging from 96 to 138 micrograms per cubic metre.
Which Reading Should You Check Before Heading Out?
PSI and hourly PM2.5 readings serve different purposes.
The PSI takes into account six air pollutants. A separate index is calculated for each pollutant, and the highest determines the overall PSI.
Because the 24-hour PSI reflects pollution over a longer period, it takes time to respond to sudden changes. The one-hour PM2.5 reading gives a more recent picture by measuring the average concentration of fine particles during the previous hour. PM2.5 refers to particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less.
NEA recommends checking hourly PM2.5 readings before outdoor activities in the immediate term. For outdoor plans the following day, use its 24-hour PSI forecast and accompanying health advisory.
What The High PM2.5 Band Means
Under NEA’s guidance, when hourly PM2.5 concentrations enter the high band, people should avoid physically demanding outdoor activities for the next hour.
Vulnerable people should avoid all outdoor activities during that period. This group includes older people, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic heart or lung disease.
In areas where hourly PM2.5 remains elevated, the general public should cut back on strenuous activities outdoors for the next hour. Vulnerable people should avoid those activities.
NEA also advises people who feel unwell to seek medical attention.
Smoke Could Continue To Reach Singapore
In its advisory issued on 8 October evening, NEA reported smoke travelling towards Singapore from southern and central Sumatra, as well as West Kalimantan.
The agency expected dry weather to persist in southern Sumatra and parts of Kalimantan. Winds blowing from the southeast or south could continue carrying smoke here.
That advisory forecast a 24-hour PSI in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range. Residents can check updated readings through NEA’s haze website or the myENV app before heading outdoors.
