Singapore haze: Air quality expected to remain unhealthy on Monday
The 24-hour PSI is forecast to range from 101 to 190 on Monday (Oct 19), said the National Environment Agency.
The view of the haze at Jurong Lake Gardens on Oct 18, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)
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SINGAPORE: The 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) is expected to be in the unhealthy band on Monday (Oct 19), ranging from 101 to 190, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in its advisory on Sunday evening.
"Winds are expected to blow from the south-southeast or south, which may limit the transport of smoke haze from Kalimantan to Singapore," said the agency, but warned that some smoke haze from Sumatra could drift towards the country.
Air quality in Singapore was unhealthy for all regions as of Sunday night, with the 24-hour PSI ranging from 104 to 171 at 10pm. Hourly PM2.5 readings were elevated in the west, and normal in the rest of the country.
The west had the worst air quality the whole day, and its 24-hour PSI hit 230 at 10am - marking a new high for Singapore this year.
The haze eased across Singapore in the hours that followed.
In its advisory on Sunday evening, NEA credited the improvement in air quality to the winds shifting to blow from the south.
"However, some smoke haze from Kalimantan continued drifting towards Singapore. Smoke haze was also observed over Sumatra," it said.
Smoke haze moving from Kalimantan to Singapore could also decrease on Tuesday due to forecast southeasterly or southerly winds, as well as expected showers surrounding Singapore.
"However, the winds are likely to turn east-southeasterly from Tuesday night, which may bring smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan towards Singapore overnight," said NEA.
The agency said on Sunday morning that widespread hotspots had been detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra.
Moderate to dense smoke haze covered parts of Kalimantan, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Sarawak's western parts, it said.
"Air quality stations in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy to very unhealthy levels, while those in Borneo and Sumatra reported unhealthy to hazardous levels," NEA said.
The agency added that the full extent of southern ASEAN's haze and hotspot situation could not be determined due to extensive cloud cover.
EVENTS CANCELLED
All ActiveSG sports facilities resumed operations on Saturday, following haze-related closures the day before.
However, the unpredictable haze conditions have prompted organisers to cancel or postpone several outdoor events, including the FA Cup football final and third-place play-off scheduled for Saturday.
The Great Eastern Women's Run, originally scheduled for Nov 1, has also been cancelled, while The Purple Parade, an annual event celebrating the abilities and contributions of persons with disabilities, has been postponed to the first half of 2027.
Under the Ministry of Health's (MOH) latest haze advisory, members of the public are advised to refer to 1-hour PM2.5 readings, rather than the 24-hour PSI, when deciding whether to wear a mask for immediate outdoor activities.
MOH said vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should avoid outdoor activities when hourly PM2.5 readings are in the high band of 151 to 250.
Those who need to go outdoors for immediate activities may wear a well-fitting N95 mask or equivalent to reduce their exposure to haze particles.
When PM2.5 readings reach the very high band of 251 and above, healthy individuals should also minimise all outdoor activities. Those who need to venture outdoors may similarly use an N95 mask for protection.
The ministry also cautioned that elderly people, pregnant women and those with severe heart or lung conditions who experience breathing difficulties should consult their doctor before using an N95 mask.
Those who experience discomfort while wearing one should take a break from using it.
Besides N95 masks, KN95, FFP2 and KF94 masks are also effective in reducing exposure to haze particles, MOH said.
Members of the public can visit the HazeMaskGoWhere website for more information on collection locations and live updates on mask availability at the vending machines.
