Air quality hits unhealthy range in central Singapore; 1-hour PM2.5 elevated in 2 regions

On Saturday morning, air quality in central Singapore entered the unhealthy range, according to readings from the National Environment Agency (NEA). At 11am, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in the central region surpassed 100, reaching 104 by 12pm. In contrast, the other four regions remained in the moderate range, with PSI values of 95, 92, 87, and 77 respectively.

The 1-hour PM2.5 reading, taken at 12pm, indicated elevated air quality in both the central and eastern regions. This elevated band corresponds to PM2.5 levels between 56 and 150 micrograms per cubic metre. The elevated PM2.5 reading was a result of smoke haze drifting from southern Sumatra and fires in Kalimantan, as reported by the NEA.

Dry conditions were forecasted to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region, with the NEA predicting the 24-hour PSI to remain in the moderate to low-unhealthy range. The health agency advised healthy individuals to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities if the 24-hour PSI is in the unhealthy range. The elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic lung or heart disease were advised to minimize such activities.