Haze in Singapore: Air quality back in unhealthy range
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Hazy conditions seen on the outskirts of Punggol Beach at around 12pm on Oct 24.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
SINGAPORE – The air quality across the island deteriorated overnight, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) recording unhealthy levels of air pollution early on Oct 24.
At 7am, the PSI readings were 115 in the north and south regions, 117 in the east, 142 in the west and 133 in the central region.
The PM2.5 readings – which are gauged hourly and reflect the current air quality – were also elevated across the country. At 7am, the PM2.5 readings were 79 in the north, 78 (south), 68 (east), 107 (west) and 94 (central).
Air quality saw some improvement later in the day, with PM2.5 levels in some regions falling back into the normal band.
But at 10pm, PM2.5 readings in all regions entered the elevated band again, ranging from 59 in the south to 92 in the west.
PSI readings remained in the unhealthy range across the island at 10pm, ranging from 108 to 154.
There had been a brief respite from the haze early on Oct 23, when PSI readings were in the good to moderate range and PM2.5 levels were in the normal range.
Singapore has been experiencing unhealthy air quality, denoted by 24-hour PSI readings above 101, since Oct 5.
The 24-hour PSI, which is a rolling index of six key air pollutants, reflects air quality in Singapore over the past day.
When air quality breaches this threshold, people, especially the elderly, children and those with health issues, should start scaling down outdoor activities.
Forecast for Oct 25
In its daily advisory on the evening of Oct 24, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said moderate to unhealthy air quality is expected on Oct 25, with the PSI forecast to be in the range of 80 to 130.
Smoke haze from Sumatra was seen drifting towards Singapore and was also observed over Kalimantan on Oct 24, NEA said.
On Oct 25, winds are expected to blow from the south-west or west, which could limit transport of smoke haze to Singapore. Showers are expected over Singapore and the surrounding region which may help with the haze conditions, added NEA.
Winds are winds are expected to continue blowing from the south-west or west on Oct 26 and 27, and with showers expected over Singapore and the vicinity, the haze situation is “likely to improve”, added the agency.