Singapore’s air quality entered the unhealthy range in the central, eastern and western regions on Sunday morning, 27 September, as haze conditions worsened overnight.
As of 6am, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings were 127 in the central region, 114 in the east and 105 in the west. The north and south regions remained in the moderate range, with readings of 89 and 94 respectively.
The 24-hour PSI is considered unhealthy when it falls between 101 and 200.
Haze Conditions Linked To Regional Smoke
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said in its haze advisory on 27 September that Singapore’s 24-hour PSI forecast was expected to remain in the moderate to low unhealthy range.
NEA said showers over Singapore and surrounding areas had brought some improvement, but dry conditions continued over southern Sumatra and parts of Kalimantan, where smoke plumes from fires were observed. Winds from the southeast could continue bringing smoke haze towards Singapore.
The central region crossed into the unhealthy range on Saturday evening, followed by the eastern region around midnight and the western region shortly after.
NEA Advises Public To Adjust Outdoor Activities
NEA said the health impact of haze depends on a person’s health condition, PSI level and the duration and intensity of outdoor activities.
When the 24-hour PSI is in the unhealthy range, healthy people should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Elderly people, pregnant women and children should minimise such activities, while those with chronic lung or heart conditions should avoid them.
For immediate outdoor activities, NEA advised residents to check the one-hour PM2.5 readings, which reflect the concentration of fine particles in the air at a specific point in time.
The agency said residents can refer to updates through NEA’s platforms, including the haze microsite and myENV app.
