Singapore air quality improves to moderate range after unhealthy readings

On Saturday, September 5th, air quality in Singapore initially dipped into the unhealthy range but subsequently improved throughout the day. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), three regions experienced unhealthy 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings early in the day. By 10pm, the central region's PSI had dropped from a peak of 123 to 96, while the west and east regions returned to the moderate range with PSI readings of 89 and 79, respectively.

The north and south regions remained in the moderate range throughout the day, with PSI values of 76 and 75 as of 10pm.

The PSI entered the unhealthy range for the first time since October 8, 2023, on Friday, prompting the NEA to issue daily haze advisories to assist the public in planning activities and events. Singapore may continue to face transboundary haze if fires in Indonesia persist, with the PSI forecast to fall within the moderate to lower unhealthy range.

Dry conditions are expected to persist in Singapore and the surrounding region, with prevailing winds primarily from the southeast or south. The 24-hour PSI, calculated using six air pollutants, serves as Singapore's daily air quality indicator and the basis for NEA's health advisories.