Air quality in central region back in unhealthy range; 24-hour PSI reading at 104
As at 8pm, readings in the north, south, east and west remained in the moderate range.
On September 26, Singapore's air quality deteriorated, with the central region's 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading climbing back into the unhealthy range. The PSI at 8pm reached 104, surpassing the 101 mark for the first time since September 20. Meanwhile, readings in the north, south, east, and west regions remained in the moderate range.
Elevated PM2.5 levels were detected in parts of Singapore, with the highest recorded in the central area (110), followed by the east (88), west (82), and south (67). The north's reading remained normal at 50.
Air quality is deemed unhealthy when the 24-hour PSI falls between 101 and 200, while an hourly PM2.5 reading between 56 and 150 signifies an elevated concentration of fine particles. The National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a daily haze advisory around 6pm, predicting the air quality for the next 24 hours to remain in the moderate range to low-unhealthy range.
Showers were expected overnight, with dry conditions anticipated to persist over southern Sumatra and the southern and eastern parts of Kalimantan. Winds blowing from the southeast or southwest could potentially carry smoke haze to Singapore.
The NEA advised the public to consult hourly PM2.5 readings for short-term activities and 24-hour PSI figures for daily planning. During periods when air quality enters the unhealthy range, healthy individuals should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, while vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic lung or heart conditions should minimize or avoid such activities altogether.
The PSI entered the unhealthy range on September 4, marking the first instance since October 2023. The Meteorological Service Singapore forecasted additional showers in the latter half of the month compared to the initial period.
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