Singapore’s air quality remained in the unhealthy range on October 6, with haze continuing to envelop the island. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 6 a.m. recorded alarming levels: 107 in the north, 112 in the east, 117 in the west, and 130 in the central region. Only the south managed a moderate reading of 95. The PSI, which classifies readings between 101 and 200 as unhealthy, measures a 24-hour average of key pollutants to assess air quality.
Additionally, fine particle pollution, measured as PM2.5, was elevated in various areas. The central region saw a PM2.5 reading of 60, while the west and east registered 59 and 56, respectively. The northern and southern regions recorded relatively lower levels at 48 and 35.
The persistent haze has been attributed to smoke from Kalimantan and southern Sumatra in Indonesia, where dry conditions have led to moderate to dense smoke plumes. Winds from the southeast and east-southeast are forecasted to continue affecting Singapore’s air quality.
Authorities caution that the 24-hour PSI could remain in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range due to the ongoing dry conditions in the region. Singapore has faced worsening haze since September, with the highest PSI reading this year being 164 in the central region on September 29.
Concerns are mounting that the dry spell might extend longer than usual this year due to weather conditions linked to a strong El Niño, which could delay the onset of the wetter season in parts of Southeast Asia. This delay may prolong the period of poor air quality, posing health risks to the population.