Air quality in central Singapore enters unhealthy range

As at 10pm, the hourly PM2.5 readings in the north stood at 58, crossing into the elevated band.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has advised the public to refer to the hourly PM2.5 readings for immediate activities and 24-hour PSI ones to plan for the day ahead.

Air quality is considered unhealthy when the 24-hour PSI is in the range of 101 to 200, while an hourly PM2.5 reading between 56 and 150 indicates an elevated concentration of fine particles. 

NEA has advised that during such periods, those who are healthy should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, while vulnerable groups like the elderly, children and pregnant women, as well as people with chronic lung or heart disease, should minimise or avoid such outdoor activities altogether

The PSI first returned to the unhealthy mark two weeks ago, on Sept 4, the first time since October 2023. Readings in the central region were the highest, peaking at 154 on Sept 15.

With dry conditions persisting over parts of Indonesian hot spots Sumatra and Kalimantan, coupled with prevailing winds blowing from the south or south-east, Singapore remains at continued risk of haze, said NEA in a haze advisory on Sept 16.

But air quality could improve in the next two weeks, with the Meteorological Service Singapore forecasting on Sept 16 more showers here for the rest of September, compared with the first half of the month.