Western Singapore’s hourly PM2.5 hits 288 as N95 mask distribution begins and sports facilities close amid haze
Hourly PM2.5 levels surged across Singapore on Wednesday (14 Oct), with the western region recording a Very High reading of 288 at 3pm as the haze worsened.
In response, the Government has begun the phased distribution of N95 masks to vulnerable Singaporeans through Community Clubs (CCs) and vending machines at selected locations.
Meanwhile, ActiveSG and SAFRA have temporarily closed selected sports facilities as a precaution, while the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remained in the Unhealthy range across Singapore.
Source: CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore on Facebook
Western region’s PM2.5 reading reaches Very High range
According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the western region’s hourly PM2.5 reading rose from 195 at 1pm to 284 at 2pm, before climbing further to 288 at 3pm.
The reading entered the Very High band, which begins at 251 µg/m³.
At 3pm, hourly PM2.5 readings in several other regions were also elevated.
Source: National Environment Agency
The east recorded 208, while the central and southern regions registered 218 and 177 respectively, placing all three in the High range. The north recorded 140, which was in the Elevated range.
Separately, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 114 to 160 at 3pm, with all five regions in the Unhealthy band.
Source: National Environment Agency
When hourly PM2.5 readings reach the Very High range of 251 and above, the public should minimise all outdoor activities for the next hour.
Vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic lung or heart disease, should avoid all outdoor activities during this period.
NEA said at 4pm that hourly PM2.5 readings across Singapore ranged from 139 to 251, while the 24-hour PSI stood at 118 to 168.
Air quality is forecast to be in the Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy range overnight and on Thursday (15 Oct).
ActiveSG and SAFRA facilities temporarily closed
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, ActiveSG announced the temporary closure of outdoor and non-air-conditioned facilities at its sports centres in the west as an additional precaution.
Source: ActiveSG Circle on Facebook
The affected western locations included:
- Jurong East, Sport Village @ Jurong Town, and Jurong Lake Gardens
- Jurong West and Hockey Village @ Boon Lay
- Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak
- Choa Chu Kang and Senja-Cashew
- Clementi
SportSG subsequently expanded the temporary closures to affected ActiveSG facilities in the central and eastern regions as PM2.5 levels remained elevated.
SAFRA also temporarily closed outdoor and non-air-conditioned facilities at SAFRA Jurong, Choa Chu Kang, Tampines, and Toa Payoh, with outdoor programmes and activities at these clubs suspended.
The organisations said they would continue monitoring the haze situation and adjust operations where necessary.
Phased N95 mask distribution begins
The Government had previously announced that N95 masks would be distributed to more vulnerable individuals if the 24-hour PSI exceeded 200 and entered the Very Unhealthy range.
However, with hourly PM2.5 levels reaching the Very High range on Wednesday and the 24-hour PSI forecast at risk of entering the Very Unhealthy range, authorities have brought forward the measure and begun a phased distribution of N95 masks.
Source: Dinesh Vasu Dash on Facebook
Eligible Singaporeans who can collect masks from CCs or vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices, and People’s Association (PA) venues include:
- Pioneer Generation members
- Merdeka Generation members
- CHAS Orange cardholders
- CHAS Blue cardholders
- Medical Fee Exemption Card holders
- ComCare Assistance recipients
Pregnant women, children aged seven to 16, and individuals with medical conditions such as asthma can also collect masks from CCs.
Each eligible person can collect a pack containing two N95 masks using their NRIC. A family member or friend may also collect the masks on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC.
NEA said masks would be made available progressively at designated collection points and might not be immediately available at every location.
Air-conditioned rooms at CCs and selected Residents’ Committee (RC) and Residents’ Network (RN) centres have also been set up as haze shelters for members of the public seeking respite from the haze.
Schools may close if forecast PSI exceeds 300
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will consider closing schools if the following day’s air quality forecast reaches the Hazardous range, with the 24-hour PSI exceeding 300.
Any school closure decision is expected to be announced at around 8pm the day before through schools and MOE’s official channels.
When the 24-hour PSI is in the Very Unhealthy range of 201 to 300, lessons will continue in well-ventilated, enclosed spaces with air purifiers switched on.
Source: CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore on Facebook
Schools will also avoid outdoor activities and strenuous indoor physical exercise, while students who are unwell or have pre-existing lung or heart conditions will be closely monitored.
The Haze Task Force (HTF), comprising 28 government agencies and led by NEA, has issued advisories covering schools, workplaces, healthcare institutions, and sporting activities.
Based on NEA’s current health advisory, healthy individuals should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion when the 24-hour PSI is Unhealthy, and avoid it if conditions become Very Unhealthy.
Elderly people, pregnant women, and children should minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion under Unhealthy conditions, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid it.
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 CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore on Facebook and Dinesh Vasu Dash on Facebook.
