Haze persists across Singapore, PM2.5 reading elevated in all regions
Hourly PM2.5 readings in the west have moved in and out of the high band since 3pm.
People wearing masks on Orchard Road as hazy conditions persisted on Oct 12, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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SINGAPORE: Air quality across all five regions of Singapore stayed in the unhealthy range on Monday (Oct 12) as haze persisted across the island.
As of 10pm, hourly PM2.5 levels were in the elevated band in all five regions, with the west recording the highest reading at 138.
The region's 1-hour PM2.5 level entered the high band with a reading of 156 at 5pm before easing back into the elevated band. It climbed again to 171 at 9pm before dipping again.
In its Monday morning advisory, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said widespread hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra, while moderate to dense transboundary smoke haze was observed over Singapore.
"While showers may bring some improvement to the hotspot and smoke haze situation, there is still a risk of transboundary haze occurrence, especially over areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions," NEA said.
The 24-hour PSI for Singapore was forecast to be in the unhealthy range.
On Monday, subsidised treatments for haze-related conditions came into effect at Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) and polyclinics.
This comes after an announcement by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who said that all Singaporeans will be eligible for subsidies at polyclinics, while eligibility at participating PHPCs will be limited to certain groups, including children and seniors.
On Friday night, the government's Haze Task Force announced that N95 masks will be distributed to more vulnerable individuals when the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200 and enters the very unhealthy range.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will consider closing schools when the air quality forecast for the next day is in the hazardous range, with the 24-hour PSI exceeding 300, the task force said.
If school closures coincide with national examinations, the affected examination papers will be rescheduled and the examination period extended.
