Haze disrupts daily routines, hits businesses in Singapore's west as PSI reaches very unhealthy level

Singapore experienced a brief respite from the haze on October 18, as clearer skies and improved air quality brought relief to residents. The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that wind directions had shifted, bringing southerly winds to the island. "However, some smoke haze from Kalimantan continued drifting towards Singapore," the agency noted, adding that smoke haze was also observed over Sumatra.

At 6 PM, the one-hour PM2.5 levels were normal in the northern region, low-elevated in eastern and central Singapore, and remained in the low-elevated band in western and southern Singapore. Nonetheless, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remained in the unhealthy range, with the highest reading of 192 recorded in the western region, while the lowest reading of 109 was observed in the northern region.

Looking ahead to Monday, NEA forecasted showers over Singapore and its surrounding areas, along with southerly to south-southeastern winds. These conditions could limit the transport of smoke haze from Kalimantan to Singapore. However, the agency warned that some smoke haze from Sumatra might still drift towards the island. According to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), the number of hotspots in Kalimantan increased to 110 on October 17, while the number of hotspots in Sumatra decreased to 11.

NEA's 24-hour PSI forecast for Monday ranges between 100 and 190, also placing it in the unhealthy range.

Despite the prospect of better air quality on Monday, NEA cautioned that Singapore could face another round of smoke haze on Tuesday night. This prediction is based on an anticipated change in wind directions to east-southeast, which may carry smoke haze from Kalimantan towards Singapore overnight. The public is advised to regularly check the latest PM2.5 readings before engaging in outdoor activities.