SINGAPORE - Air quality is forecast to improve in the next 24 hours, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Saturday (Aug 27) evening.
The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) has been in the high moderate to unhealthy range, but dipped slightly through the day.
"Slightly hazy conditions are expected for the rest of today... a further improvement in the air quality can be expected tomorrow," said NEA in its haze advisory at about 6pm.
Winds are expected to change to blow from the southwest or south overnight.
As at 5am, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading was 69 to 105. The PSI was higher in the west (76) and north (105).
It was 69 in the south, 74 in the central region and 70 in the east.
The PSI for the next 24 hours is forecast to be in the moderate range.
Given the air quality forecast, everyone can continue with normal activities, NEA said.
People who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.
The 3-hour PSI, which is to be phased out this year, was 59.
The newly introduced 1-hour PM2.5 concentration was in the normal range at 5am. Readings were 18 in the north, 21 in the south, 18 in the west, 18 in the east and 21 in the central region.
The 1-hour PM2.5 concentration is expected to drop from 'Elevated' to 'Normal' over the next 24 hours, said NEA.
"During the haze season, the main air pollutant is PM2.5. 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings are a good indicator of the current air quality. Use this for immediate activities like going for a jog," the agency said.
Thundery showers are also forecast in the late morning and early afternoon on Aug 28.
The PSI crept into the unhealthy range for the first time this year on Friday, as westerly winds brought smoke from forest fires on Indonesia's Sumatra island to Singapore.
Air quality is considered unhealthy when the 24-hour PSI is within the 100-200 range.