Haze in Singapore reaches highest value this season in Central area
On 9 Oct, the air quality in Singapore worsened as the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in the central region hit 191 at 4pm.
This is the highest reading recorded so far in the 2026 season.
The value denotes the higher end of the ‘unhealthy’ range.
Source: @kymillman on Instagram
Air quality drops to higher end of ‘unhealthy’ range
The 24-hour PSI had been steadily rising across the country from midnight and all regions were in the unhealthy range.
At 12pm on 9 Oct, the readings were 123 in the north, 170 in the west, 160 in the south and 155 in the east.
Four hours later, all the readings increased by approximately 10, with the central region reaching a value of 191.
Source: National Environment Agency
Readings of 201 to 300 denote the very unhealthy range.
One-hour PM2.3 concentrations remain relevated
Meanwhile, one-hour PM2.5 concentrations remained in the elevated band in all five regions.
Source: National Environment Agency
The highest concentration reading of 148 was recorded in western Singapore, followed by 145 in central Singapore.
When one-hour PM2.5 concentration readings are in the high band, healthy persons should avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Furthermore, vulnerable persons should avoid all outdoor activity for the next hour.
Source: Susan McNamara on Facebook
Moderate to Dense smoke haze covering in neighbouring countries
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said moderate to dense transboundary smoke haze was covering parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Kalimantan and the southern and central parts of Sumatra.
“Many air quality stations in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Kalimantan and Sumatra are reporting unhealthy to hazardous levels,” read the advisory.
Data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre showed 162 hotspots in Kalimantan, while there were 314 hotspots detected in Sumatra.
Source: National Environment Agency
However, the agency noted that the hotspot situation could not be fully determined due to the obscuration by the thick haze and cloud cover.
For now, the 24-hour PSI for Singapore is forecasted to be in the High Moderate to Mid-Unhealthy range.
Dry conditions are expected to continue over parts of the Southeast Asian region, apart from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and the northern and central parts of Borneo, where showers are expected. NEA said:
While the hotspot and smoke haze situation may improve in areas experiencing showers, the situation is expected to stay elevated in fire-prone regions experiencing prolonged dry conditions, with a continued risk of severe transboundary haze occurrence.
For those planning immediate outdoor activities, NEA advises checking the hourly PM2.5 levels.
Source: National Environment Agency
The 24-hour PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories should be used in planning next day outdoor activities.
Also read: Why the S’pore 2026 haze is worse & will persist into next year
Why the S’pore 2026 haze is worse & will persist into next year
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Featured image adapted from Susan McNamara on Facebook and @kymillman on Instagram.