Haze update for Sept 9: 24-hour PSI in central region edges closer to unhealthy range

Singapore's 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) is expected to remain in the high moderate to low unhealthy range, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in its daily update on Wednesday (Sept 9).

Air quality in Singapore remained in the moderate range for a fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, but readings across all five regions have been rising since Tuesday evening.

At 6pm, 24-hour PSI reading for the central region is 98. Readings of between 101 and 200 are in the unhealthy range.

Meanwhile, 1-hour PM2.5 readings for both the central and eastern regions are in the elevated range, with readings of 85 and 58 respectively. 

1-hour PM2.5 readings of between 56 and 150 denote elevated range.

Explaining the worsening air quality, NEA said that moderate to dense smoke plumes continue to be detected from fires in southern and central Sumatra and Kalimantan. 

Smoke haze was observed to drift towards Singapore, the agency added.

Noting that dry conditions are expected to persist over Kalimantan and southern Sumatra, coupled with the prevailing southerly, south-easterly winds, NEA expects the risk of transboundary smoke haze affecting Singapore to remain — should the fires persist.

Those who are planning to conduct or participate in outdoor activities immediately can 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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