Singapore’s air quality has improved significantly, with conditions returning to the good-to-moderate range, allowing residents to resume normal outdoor activities. On October 22, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in various parts of the island ranged from 71 to 99, marking the end of an 18-day stretch of unhealthy conditions caused by haze.
This improvement was particularly notable in the western region, which was the last to see its PSI drop below the unhealthy threshold, moving from 101 to 99. Since October 5, air quality on the island had consistently surpassed the 101 mark, indicating unhealthy levels.
Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, also remained within normal levels, with one-hour readings fluctuating between 16 and 39 micrograms per cubic metre at 3 p.m. This suggests a positive development in air quality, although the broader haze situation in the region remains concerning.
Satellite imagery continues to detect hotspots in Indonesia, contributing to regional haze. However, prevailing winds have so far directed much of the smoke away from Singapore. Despite this, neighboring areas such as Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan, Sumatra, and western Sarawak have experienced denser pollution.