Haze watch: Air quality improves as PSI returns to moderate levels across Singapore

Residents in Singapore started October (Oct 1) with a clearer skyline and improved air quality as the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) returned to the moderate range in all five regions.

The central and western regions returned to the moderate range at 11pm on Wednesday, while the western and southern regions exited the unhealthy range at 9pm and 6pm respectively.

At 8.25am on Thursday, PSI ranged from 66 to 82 — in the moderate range — with central Singapore recording the highest reading of 82.

Meanwhile, one-hour PM2.5 is in the normal band for all five regions, with concentration readings ranging from 16 to 46.

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

This is an improvement from the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy forecast a day earlier. 

Smoke haze from southern Sumatra and Kalimantan was observed to have drifted towards Singapore, NEA noted.

Along with the prevailing south-easterly or southerly winds, the risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore remains, it added.

Members of the public are advised to check the one-hour PM2.5 concentration readings before participating in any immediate outdoor activities.

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editor@asiaone.com