Singapore’s air quality remains a concern as the haze continues to envelop much of the island, registering unhealthy levels in several regions. On October 6, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings were recorded at 130 in the central region, 117 in the west, 112 in the east, and 107 in the north, indicating unhealthy air quality, while only the south showed a moderate PSI of 95. A PSI reading between 101 and 200 is categorized as unhealthy, highlighting the ongoing air quality challenges.
The haze is primarily attributed to smoke from Kalimantan and southern Sumatra in Indonesia, where dry conditions have led to moderate to dense smoke plumes. The winds from the southeast and east-southeast are contributing to the smoke drifting over Singapore. Authorities predict that as the dry conditions persist, the 24-hour PSI could hover in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range.
Fine particle pollution, represented by PM2.5 readings, also remains elevated, reaching 60 in the central region, 59 in the west, and 56 in the east. This situation has been exacerbated since September when the PSI first surpassed the unhealthy threshold, with the highest reading of 164 recorded on September 29 in the central region.
Concerns are mounting that the dry spell could extend longer than usual this year due to weather patterns linked to a strong El Niño, potentially delaying the onset of the wetter season across Southeast Asia. This delay could prolong the period of poor air quality, raising health concerns for residents.