NEA: 24-hour PSI forecast to reach unhealthy levels amid worsening air quality due to haze in SG
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s air quality could reach unhealthy levels on Sunday, Oct 25, prompting the National Environment Agency (NEA) to advise people to adjust outdoor plans. The agency forecast a 24-hour PSI of 80 to 130, spanning moderate to unhealthy conditions. At 5 pm on Saturday, readings ranged from 108 to 151, while hourly PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 33 to 97 µg/m³. NEA issued its haze…
Singapore's air quality could deteriorate to unhealthy levels on Sunday, October 25, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA). The agency predicts a 24-hour PSI range of 80 to 130, falling within moderate to unhealthy conditions. As of 5 PM on Saturday, readings fluctuated between 108 and 151, with hourly PM2.5 concentrations varying from 33 to 97 µg/m³.
The haze situation update, issued on October 24, highlights smoke from Sumatra drifting towards Singapore. The forecast serves as a guide for planning the following day, although conditions are expected to fluctuate throughout the day.
Healthy individuals should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor exercise when organizing their plans for Sunday. Elderly individuals, pregnant women, and children should also limit such activities, while those with chronic heart or lung disease should avoid them altogether. For prompt decisions, the NEA recommends monitoring hourly PM2.5 readings and its personal activity guide on haze.gov.sg or the myENV app.
When hourly PM2.5 levels spike, healthy individuals should decrease strenuous outdoor activities for the subsequent hour. Vulnerable groups should refrain from strenuous exercise during that time.
Despite heavy showers on Saturday, air quality persisted as a concern. Smoke haze was also detected over Kalimantan. Southwesterly or westerly winds are anticipated on Sunday, potentially limiting smoke's reach to Singapore. Meanwhile, showers over Singapore and nearby areas could alleviate the haze. The NEA expects similar winds and showers on Monday and Tuesday, leading to improved conditions.
The haze follows Singapore's intensified efforts to identify companies potentially connected to fires across the region. On Friday, the NEA issued notices to 10 Singapore-based companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act for the first time since the law's enactment. These companies, operating in the palm oil or forestry sectors, must disclose their corporate links, Indonesian land concessions, and fire prevention measures.
The NEA is also requesting additional information from 10 Indonesian companies previously notified. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Law intends to establish a specialized panel to scrutinize corporate structures, supply chains, and business ties that might establish links to the fires. For now, checking hourly pollution readings before venturing outdoors remains a prudent measure. A planned run or extended walk can be postponed until the air quality is safer for breathing.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
