Singapore is grappling with unhealthy air quality levels as haze continues to envelop most regions of the city-state. On the morning of October 6, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings remained above the unhealthy threshold, with the central region recording a high of 130. The PSI, which assesses air quality based on a 24-hour average of key pollutants, designates a reading between 101 and 200 as unhealthy. Only the southern region of Singapore managed to stay within the moderate range with a PSI of 95.
The haze affecting Singapore has been attributed to smoke from fires in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra, Indonesia. These areas are experiencing dry conditions that have intensified moderate to dense smoke plumes. Winds from the southeast and east-southeast are carrying this smoke towards Singapore, exacerbating the air quality situation. Fine particle pollution levels are also elevated, with PM2.5 readings reaching up to 60 in the central region.
Authorities have warned that the PSI could remain in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range as the dry conditions persist. The haze situation has deteriorated since September, when PSI readings first breached the unhealthy mark. The central region had recorded its highest PSI reading of the year at 164 on September 29.
Concerns are mounting that the current dry spell might extend longer than usual due to weather patterns associated with a strong El Niño. This climatic condition could delay the onset of the wetter season in Southeast Asia, potentially prolonging the period of poor air quality in Singapore.
