Haze in Singapore: Air quality improves as PM2.5 readings in 3 regions return to ‘normal’

On October 25, the air quality in Singapore saw an improvement, with the hourly PM2.5 readings in three regions returning to normal levels. The PM2.5 readings were recorded as 55 in the north, 44 in the south, and 54 in the central region. Meanwhile, the eastern and western regions continued to show elevated PM2.5 levels, registering 61 and 62, respectively.

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remained in the "unhealthy" range across the island, with scores of 111 in the west, 104 in the south, 112 in the east, 140 in the west, and 115 in the central region. Air quality is deemed good to moderate when the PSI falls between 0 to 100, and unhealthy when it ranges between 101 to 200.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) had previously forecast moderate to unhealthy air quality on October 25, with the PSI expected to be within the range of 80 to 130. The haze situation in Singapore was attributed to smoke drifting from Sumatra, as well as its presence over Kalimantan on October 24. The NEA further noted that favorable wind conditions, blowing from the south-west or west, could limit the transport of smoke haze to Singapore.

Showers were also anticipated over Singapore and the surrounding area, which could help alleviate the haze conditions. The agency predicted that winds would continue to blow from the south-west or west on October 26 and 27, with the haze situation "likely to improve" due to the expected showers.