Air quality in central Singapore returned to the unhealthy range, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index reaching 105 at 8am, according to the National Environment Agency. The reading followed a steady climb from late the previous night, when the index stood at 102 at 11pm before rising to 104 at 6am, while other parts of the island remained in the moderate range.
Transboundary Haze Driven by Sumatra and Kalimantan Fires
Fires in southern and central Sumatra as well as Kalimantan continued to produce moderate to heavy smoke plumes, causing some haze to drift in the direction of Singapore, according to the National Environment Agency. The agency forecast that Singapore’s 24-hour PSI would remain in the high-moderate to low-unhealthy range.
While showers were expected over parts of central and northern Sumatra in the coming days, dry conditions were likely to continue in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra. According to the National Environment Agency, this persistent dryness increases the risk of haze if the fires continue to burn.
Inter-Agency Haze Task Force Response and Regional Alerts
Authorities previously noted that the 28 public entities comprising the government’s inter-agency haze task force stand prepared to activate their individual action plans should air quality worsen further. Chaired by the National Environment Agency, the task force develops and rolls out plans to minimize and manage the impact of haze, allowing agencies to adopt tiered responses based on air quality readings and forecasts.
That warning points to growing hotspot activity, marked by moderate to thick smoke haze seen over a span of two or more consecutive days. Every year prior to the commencement of the dry season in June, the task force gathers for an annual meeting, and it has already convened twice this year: first in late January following vegetation and peatland fires located in east Johor, and then once more in April.
Did you know?
A 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index reading between 101 and 200 is classified as unhealthy by the National Environment Agency. Readings between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, while those above 300 are hazardous.
Comparison with Previous Haze Episodes This Year
Air quality first entered the unhealthy range this year on September 4, when the index in central Singapore climbed to 123, marking the highest reading recorded there since 2023. Those unhealthy conditions continued into September 5 before the index returned to the moderate range at 9pm that day. Following that initial deterioration, the National Environment Agency began issuing daily haze advisories starting from the evening of September 4.
Members of the public can access updates, current air quality readings, and health advisories via the National Environment Agency’s website, the haze microsite, the myENV application, and the agency’s social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current 24-hour PSI reading in Singapore?
According to the National Environment Agency, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index in central Singapore reached 105 at 8am and climbed to 106 by 9am, placing it in the unhealthy range, while other regions remained moderate.
What causes the current transboundary haze affecting Singapore?
The National Environment Agency stated that moderate to dense smoke plumes continue to be detected from fires in southern and central Sumatra and Kalimantan, with some haze drifting toward Singapore.
Where can residents check official air quality updates?
Updates, current air quality readings, and health advisories are available via the National Environment Agency’s website, the haze microsite, the myENV application, and the agency’s social media channels.
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