Singapore haze eases as PSI readings return to moderate range
SINGAPORE, Sept 11 — Singapore’s air quality has improved, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in all five regions remaining in the moderate range since 10pm yesterday, The Straits Times reported.
The central region recorded a PSI reading of 97 at 7am today, after reaching an unhealthy high of 106 between 9am and 11am yesterday, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA) website.
The other four regions also recorded readings within the moderate range as at 7am.
According to the report, the haze in Singapore had worsened from Sept 4, when the PSI in the central region crossed the 101 mark, considered unhealthy.
Since then, the central, eastern and western regions have occasionally recorded unhealthy readings before returning to the moderate range, the report said.
In an advisory yesterday, NEA forecast the 24-hour PSI to range from the higher end of the moderate category to the lower end of the unhealthy range.
NEA said it continued to observe moderate to dense smoke plumes from fires in southern and central Sumatra as well as Kalimantan, with some haze drifting towards Singapore.
It added that while some showers were forecast mainly over northern and central Sumatra in the coming days, there remained a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore if the fires persisted under prevailing south-easterly or southerly winds, The Straits Times reported.
The recent deterioration marked the first time Singapore’s PSI reached unhealthy levels due to haze since October 2023.
A PSI reading of 51 to 100 is considered moderate, while readings between 101 and 200 are classified as unhealthy, during which NEA advises the public to reduce outdoor activities.
