Singapore's air quality remained mostly unhealthy on Monday, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) ranging from 92 to 139 across different regions.
The National Environment Agency reported that hourly PM2.5 readings were elevated in the western, central, southern, and eastern regions. The country's west was in the very unhealthy range from 8pm on Saturday and joined the other regions at 5pm on Sunday. Air quality remained in the unhealthy band across most regions throughout Sunday, with the west being the only outlier in the very unhealthy range earlier in the day.
At 10am on Sunday, the 24-hour PSI hit 230, marking a new high for this year's haze season. Showers are forecast over Singapore and the surrounding region for Monday, with winds expected to blow from the south-southeast or south, which may limit smoke haze from Kalimantan to Singapore. However, some smoke haze from Sumatra may drift towards Singapore, and smoke haze moving from Kalimantan could decrease on Tuesday due to forecast southeasterly or southerly winds and expected showers. Winds are likely to turn east-southeasterly from Tuesday night, potentially bringing smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan towards Singapore overnight.
Why it matters
The elevated air quality affects vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and children, who are advised to limit outdoor exertion.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The National Environment Agency will monitor wind patterns and their impact on smoke haze movement from Kalimantan and Sumatra.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.