Singapore’s west records season-high PSI of 230 as haze enters 14th day

Singapore's western region experienced its highest Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading of 230 on October 18, marking the island's 14th consecutive day of unhealthy air quality. The Straits Times reported that the reading classified the western region as "very unhealthy," while the rest of Singapore remained in the "unhealthy" range, with PSI readings between 130 and 187.

This stretch of poor air quality surpassed the 14-day period of bad air witnessed during the 2015 haze crisis. The PSI measures six key air pollutants, with readings between 201 and 300 classified as "very unhealthy." One-hour PM2.5 readings, measuring fine particulate matter, were elevated across all five regions, ranging from 72 in the north to 139 in the west.

The highest PM2.5 reading recorded this year was 288 in the western region on October 14. Singapore's National Environment Agency forecast that the PSI could range between 150 and 220, spanning both unhealthy and very unhealthy categories, with possible relief from showers. Winds were expected to shift, reducing smoke haze transport from Kalimantan, though some smoke haze from Sumatra could still drift towards the island.

Additional showers were forecast for October 19 and 20, with winds gradually weakening and shifting towards the south-east or south, further reducing smoke haze movement from Kalimantan.