September 15, 2026 | 05:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - All five regions of Singapore recorded unhealthy air quality early Tuesday, September 15, marking the first time since September 2019 that the entire island has entered the unhealthy range, The Straits Timesreported.
The worsening air quality comes as moderate to dense smoke plumes from fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan drift toward Singapore. With dry conditions expected to continue across the region, the haze could persist in the coming days.
So, how bad is the haze, where is the smoke coming from, and can you still go outside? Here’s what to know, based on reports by Time Out Singapore and CNA.
How Bad Is Singapore's Air Quality?
At 6 a.m. Tuesday, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reached 154 in central Singapore, the highest reading among the island's five regions.
The east and west each recorded 128, while the south stood at 111 and the north at 104.
The readings dipped slightly by 9 a.m. but remained in the unhealthy range. Central Singapore recorded a PSI of 148, followed by the west at 124, the east at 122, the south at 106 and the north at 103.
Under Singapore's PSI scale, readings between 101 and 200 are classified as unhealthy. Readings between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, while levels above 300 are hazardous.
The 24-hour PSI is used by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) as the basis for its daily health advisories.
Where Is the Haze Coming From?
The NEA said moderate to dense smoke plumes from fires in Kalimantan had drifted toward Singapore.
Hotspots have also been detected across central and southern Sumatra. Smoke haze has been observed over parts of Borneo, Sumatra and southern Peninsular Malaysia, with smoke plumes seen coming from hotspots in southern Kalimantan and central and southern Sumatra.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre said the hotspot and smoke haze situation was expected to remain elevated in fire-prone areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions. It also warned of a continued risk of severe transboundary haze in the region.
Why Is the Haze Affecting Singapore?
Wind direction plays an important role in how much smoke reaches Singapore.
The NEA said dry conditions were expected to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region. Prevailing winds are forecast to continue blowing from the southeast to east-southeast, which could carry smoke toward the island.
Haze conditions can also vary across Singapore depending on where the smoke is traveling. A clearer sky in one neighborhood does not necessarily mean air quality is the same across the island.
Can You Still Go Outside?
Yes, but it is better to reduce outdoor activities while the PSI remains in the unhealthy range.
The NEA recommends cutting down on outdoor activities at PSI levels between 101 and 200. This is particularly important for children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions.
Healthy people can still go outside when necessary, but strenuous outdoor exercise should be minimized when air quality is poor.
If you experience eye or throat irritation, coughing or breathing discomfort, move indoors and reduce your exposure to the haze.
What About PM2.5?
The haze is not only a matter of visibility or a smoky smell. Fires in the region also produce fine particles, including PM2.5.
These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs when inhaled.
For a broader picture of air quality throughout the day, check the 24-hour PSI and its corresponding health advisory. For more immediate decisions about whether to head outside, the one-hour PM2.5 reading can be more useful.
How Long Will the Haze Last?
The haze could remain elevated as dry conditions continue across the region.
The NEA said prevailing winds from the southeast to east-southeast could continue to affect Singapore, while the ASEAN weather center expects haze and hotspot activity to remain elevated in areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions.
Because conditions can change with wind direction and weather, residents should continue monitoring the latest air quality readings and health advisories before planning outdoor activities.
The latest PSI and PM2.5 readings are available through the NEA's haze information services and the myENV app.
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