Hazy start to the weekend as PSI reaches unhealthy levels in Singapore; thundery showers expected later

Residents in Singapore woke up to deteriorating air quality on Saturday morning (Oct 24), with haze conditions worsening overnight.

As at 10am, the hourly PM2.5 readings were in the elevated range islandwide, with the highest concentration reading of 97 recorded in the western region. 

Elsewhere, the next-highest concentration readings were in central (92) and northern Singapore. 

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged from 118 in the southern region to 148 in western Singapore.

The national 24-hour PSI forecast is between 90 to 140, in the moderate to unhealthy range.

Haze and weather outlook

In its daily haze situation update issued on Oct 23, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said thundery showers are forecast over northern, eastern and central Singapore on Saturday.afternoon. 

However, it cautioned that smoke haze may continue to be transported from Sumatra to Singapore under the prevailing south-southeasterly and south-southwesterly winds.

The PSI is forecast to be between 90 to 140 — in the moderate to unhealthy range.

The agency added that winds are forecast to shift to the southwest or west from Sunday onwards, which could reduce the amount of smoke haze transported to Singapore.

Members of the public are advised to check the latest hourly PM2.5 readings before engaging in prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.

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