Haze in S’pore: Air quality mostly returns to moderate levels but PM2.5 spikes in most regions
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- Air quality in Singapore improved to moderate levels on Sept 28 after being unhealthy the previous day, with 24-hour PSI readings between 64 and 84 but some regions showing elevated PM2.5 levels.
- Decathlon shortened its Kiprun half-marathon from 21.1km to 10km on Sept 27 due to poor air quality, while other race distances remained unchanged.
- The National Environment Agency warned of continued haze risk from southern Sumatra and advised vulnerable groups to minimise outdoor activities during unhealthy air periods.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – The hourly PM2.5 levels across most of Singapore were elevated on the evening of Sept 28, even as the air quality across the island mostly remained within moderate levels.
At 9pm, the one-hour PM2.5 readings dropped to 119, from 149 in the central region, while the west logged a reading of 100, down from 110.
The south region’s reading was 75, while the north’s was 51 and the east’s was 72.
The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings ranged from 75 to 108 at 9pm, with readings for the west (101), south (105) and central (108) rising into the unhealthy range.
PSI readings for the rest of the region fell to the moderate range earlier on the night of Sept 27.
Air quality is considered unhealthy when the 24-hour PSI is in the range of 101 to 200, while an hourly PM2.5 reading between 56 and 150 indicates an elevated concentration of fine particles.
Decathlon’s inaugural Kiprun race was adjusted on Sept 27 because of the poor air quality.
The 21.1km half-marathon was shortened to 10km, while distances for the other formats – the 10km, 5km and Kids Dash (670m) – were unchanged.
In its daily haze advisory on Sept 27, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said air quality in Singapore for the next 24 hours was forecast to be in the moderate to low-unhealthy range.
Hazy conditions seen from Merlion Park at about 5.30pm on Sept 28.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
While some showers are forecast over Singapore and parts of the region on Sept 28, dry conditions are expected to continue over southern Sumatra, as well as southern Kalimantan.
“With the prevailing winds forecast to blow from the south-east, there remains a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore,” NEA said.
It advised the public to refer to the hourly PM2.5 readings for immediate activities and 24-hour PSI ones to plan for the day ahead.
Haze over PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal at 5.45pm on Sept 28.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
For periods when the air quality crosses into the unhealthy range, NEA has advised healthy people to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, while vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and pregnant women, as well as people with chronic lung or heart disease, should minimise or avoid such activities altogether.
The PSI first returned to the unhealthy range on Sept 4, the first time since October 2023. Readings in the central region were the highest, peaking at 154 on Sept 15.
In its fortnightly weather forecast on Sept 16, the Meteorological Service Singapore said more showers are expected in the second half of the month than in the first.