Haze update for Sept 6: 24-hour PSI expected to remain in moderate to unhealthy range

Singapore's 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) is expected to remain within the high moderate to low unhealthy range, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in its daily update on Sunday (Sept 6).

Air quality in Singapore improved overnight, with a 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) reading of 87 recorded in the central region at 10am on Sunday (Sept 6) morning, and continued through the day.

Data from NEA's haze microsite shows that air quality in the central region began falling below the unhealthy range at about 9pm on Saturday.

This, after 24-hour PSI entered into the unhealthy range for the first time since Oct 8, 2023, on Friday morning, prompting the agency to begin providing daily updates.

NEA noted in its Sunday update that with the ongoing dry conditions, moderate to dense smoke plumes from fires in southern and central Sumatra, as well as West Kalimantan, have continued to drift towards Singapore.

It added that although some showers are forecast over Kalimantan, dry conditions are still expected over Singapore and the surrounding region over the coming days.

"With prevailing winds blowing from the southeast or south, there is a continued risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore should the fires persist."

NEA said that the 24-hour PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the higher end of the moderate to the lower end of the unhealthy range.

Checks on NEA's haze microsite at 6pm indicate that the 24-hour PSI reading is in the moderate range for all regions in Singapore.

However, 1-hour PM2.5 readings for central and east regions crossed back into the elevated range at 6pm.

General advisory

NEA said that the health impact of haze is dependent on one's health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. 

It advised those who are planning to conduct or participate in outdoor activities now to check the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings and vulnerable persons guide.

Meanwhile, those who are planning outdoor activities for the next day should use the 24-hour PSI forecast and the corresponding health advisories for planning.

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editor@asiaone.com