Haze watch: Air quality worsens across Singapore, PSI at unhealthy levels in all 5 regions

Air quality in Singapore has deteriorated through Monday (Oct 5) evening, with all five regions recording 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at unhealthy levels.

At 9pm, PSI in northern (103) and southern (101) Singapore slipped into the range, after the eastern region entered the unhealthy range at 6pm.

PSI readings in central (128), western (125) and eastern (109) Singapore remain in the unhealthy range.

Meanwhile, one-hour PM2.5 ranged between 78 and 117, with the central region recording the highest concentration reading. 

In its daily haze situation updated issued earlier on Monday evening, the National Environment Agency said the country's 24-hour PSI is forecast to be in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range.

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

Data from the ASEAN Meteorological Centre shows that the number of hotspots in Kalimantan spiked from 175 to 533 on Oct 4. 

Given that dry conditions are expected to persist over southern Sumatra and Kalimantan, and with the prevailing south-easterly or east-south-easterly winds, smoke haze could continue to affect Singapore, NEA stated.

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

If PM2.5 concentration reading enter the high-band (151 to 250 µg/m3), healthy persons should avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour, while vulnerable persons should avoid all outdoor activity for the next hour.

[[nid:746017]]

editor@asiaone.com