Singapore haze: PM2.5 readings elevated in all regions; air quality remains in good to moderate range
The National Environment Agency has said it expects the 24-hour PSI to be in the unhealthy range on Friday.
A view of Bedok Reservoir as air quality improved on the morning of Oct 19, 2026. (File photo: CNA/Lim Li Ting)
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SINGAPORE: Hourly PM2.5 readings were elevated across Singapore as of 2pm on Friday (Oct 23), ranging from 76 to 99.
The reading in the west jumped into the elevated band at 10am, while readings in central and south joined at 11am. The PM2.5 readings in the east and north entered the elevated band at noon and 1pm, respectively.
Meanwhile, air quality across Singapore remained in the good to moderate range, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings in all five regions staying within that band.
At 2pm, the PSI readings ranged from 72 to 96.
Air quality across the country returned to the good to moderate level on Thursday after the PSI reading in the west dropped into the band at 3pm.
Readings across all regions were last at this level on Oct 5.
CONTINUED RISK OF HAZE
On Friday morning, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said "widespread" hotspots were detected in the southern parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra, while few hotspots were found elsewhere in the southern ASEAN region.
It added that there were moderate to dense smoke haze over parts of Kalimantan, Singapore, the southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia, the southern and central parts of Sumatra and the western parts of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, hotspot activity over the northern ASEAN region remained low.
"While showers may bring some improvement, the hotspot and smoke haze situation is expected to remain elevated, especially over areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions, with a continued risk of severe transboundary haze occurrence," said NEA.
It added that the prevailing winds over the southern ASEAN region are likely to blow generally from the southeast to the southwest, except over Peninsular Malaysia and the northern parts of Sumatra, where the winds are likely to blow from the west to northwest.
The NEA had said on Thursday evening that it expected the PSI to be in the unhealthy band on Friday, ranging from 101 to 150.
ADVICE FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS
When the 24-hour PSI is in the unhealthy range, NEA advises the elderly, pregnant women and children to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
People with chronic diseases, including heart or lung conditions, should avoid such activities.
For decisions on mask use and immediate outdoor activities, the public should refer to the one-hour PM2.5 readings instead.
When the 1-hour PM2.5 readings are in the high band, vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should avoid outdoor activities, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Those who need to go outdoors for immediate activities may wear a well-fitting N95 mask or equivalent to reduce their exposure to haze particles.
When 1-hour PM2.5 readings reach the very high band of 251 and above, healthy individuals should also minimise all outdoor activities. Those who need to venture outdoors may similarly use an N95 mask for protection.
However, MOH said N95 masks are generally not needed for commuting between home and school or work, or in indoor environments.
The ministry has also advised the elderly, pregnant women and those with severe heart or lung conditions who experience breathing difficulties to consult their doctor before using an N95 mask.
Those who experience discomfort while wearing one should take a break from using it.
Besides N95 masks, KN95, FFP2 and KF94 masks are also effective in reducing exposure to haze particles, according to MOH.
Members of the public can visit the HazeMaskGoWhere website for more information on collection locations and live updates on mask availability at the vending machines.
MOH had also issued guidance on Oct 13 on the types of masks that can be used for protection against haze.
It said surgical masks can help reduce discomfort and the risk of infections by providing a barrier against larger irritant particles.
However, if PM2.5 readings are above 250 and people need to be outdoors for several hours, MOH recommends wearing an N95 or equivalent mask.
Cloth masks generally do not filter fine particles effectively, although they can reduce discomfort by blocking larger irritant particles in the air.
