After 18 days of enduring unhealthy air quality, Singaporeans can finally breathe easier as conditions improved on October 22, with the air quality index returning to a good-to-moderate range. At 3 p.m., the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) across the island registered between 71 and 99, enabling residents to safely resume outdoor activities.
The western part of Singapore was the last to see an improvement, as its PSI readings dropped from the unhealthy level of 101 to 99. The period of poor air quality in Singapore began on October 5 when PSI readings first surpassed the threshold of 101.
Throughout the island, fine particulate matter, commonly known as PM2.5, stayed within normal levels, with one-hour readings ranging from 16 to 39 micrograms per cubic metre by mid-afternoon.
Nevertheless, the regional haze issue remains a concern. Satellite data reveal ongoing hotspots in Indonesia, although prevailing winds have largely kept the smoke away from Singapore. In contrast, areas including Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan, Sumatra, and western Sarawak continue to face heavier pollution.