Haze in S’pore: Air quality improved slightly but PSI in most areas still in unhealthy range
Only the northern region is back in the moderate range.
Singapore experienced a slight improvement in air quality overnight, but most regions still faced unhealthy air quality on Sept 30, according to the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI). The PSI readings in the central, eastern, western, and southern regions were 121, 119, 121, and 112 respectively, while the northern part of the island saw a reading of 97, marking the lowest level in the moderate range.
This improvement came after the PSI breached the unhealthy range for the first time in two weeks on Sept 29, peaking at 167 at 12pm in the central region, a new high since the haze started on Sept 4. The one-hour PM2.5 readings, used as a gauge for immediate activities, remained elevated in the central (64), eastern (67), and western (67) regions, while the northern and southern regions dropped to 53 and 52 respectively, indicating normal air quality.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) had forecast the air quality would be in the high moderate to mid-unhealthy range for the next 24 hours, with dry conditions expected to persist over southern Sumatra and parts of Kalimantan. While showers were forecast over Singapore, smoke haze may still affect the island due to prevailing winds from the east or south-east.
NEA advised healthy people to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities during periods when air quality crossed into the unhealthy range, while vulnerable groups should minimize or avoid such activities altogether.
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