Haze update for Oct 3: Singapore's PSI forecast to be in high-moderate to low-unhealthy range

Air quality in the Republic's central region deteriorated on Saturday (Oct 3) morning, after the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entered the unhealthy range.

At 5pm, PSI ranged from 79 to 104 — in the moderate to unhealthy range — with central Singapore recording the highest reading of 104. 

PSI readings of between 101 and 200 denote the unhealthy range.

Meanwhile, one-hour PM2.5 ranges from 30 to 56, with only central Singapore having a concentration reading in elevated band. 

In its daily haze situation update on Saturday evening, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the country's 24-hour PSI is forecast to be in the high-moderate to low-unhealthy range.

It noted that moderate to dense smoke plumes from southern Sumatra were observed drifting towards Singapore and surrounding region, while smoke haze was also observed from fires in Kalimantan.

Data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre show that the number of hotspots in Kalimantan increased slightly from 227 on Oct 1 to 232 on Oct 2.

There was also a spike in the number of hotspots detected in Sumatra, with 232 hotspots detected, up from 127 a day earlier.

Given that dry weather conditions are expected to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region on Sunday, and the prevailing south-easterly or south-westerly winds, there remains a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore, NEA pointed out.

Members of the public should check the latest one-hour PM2.5 concentration readings before engaging in outdoor activities. 

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editor@asiaone.com