The Causes and Effects of Haze in Singapore
Last Updated on October 18, 2026 by Jeff Tomas When Singapore’s skies turn gray, the smoke often comes from fires beyond its borders, carried across the region by changing winds. The haze raises immediate questions: where the fires are burning, why the smoke reaches the island, and what breathing it means for your health and […] The post The Causes and Effects of Haze in Singapore first appeared…
Air quality in western Singapore remained very unhealthy on Sunday, October 18, with a 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading of 228. Readings in the other four regions ranged from 129 to 185, according to Channel News Asia and CNA - Singapore. Hourly PM2.5 readings were elevated across the country, between 78 and 125.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan drifted toward Singapore on Saturday due to southeasterly winds, with smoke haze also observed over Sumatra. While a shift in winds to the south-southeast or south on Sunday may reduce the transport of smoke from Kalimantan, some haze from Sumatra may still drift toward Singapore, according to Channel News Asia, CNA - Singapore, and Malay Mail.
The Jakarta Post reports that Singapore identified seven companies based on Sumatra as responsible for fires that have sent toxic smoke across Southeast Asia. Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu stated that Singapore will issue preventative notices to these companies, directing them to deploy firefighting teams, stop burning or starting new fires, and submit action plans to the NEA.
Brief written by urgent.news from Chiang Rai Times, Channel News Asia, CNA - Singapore, The Jakarta Post, Malay Mail — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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