SINGAPORE (Nazrana Times): Singapore remained blanketed in haze on Saturday as smoke from fires in neighbouring Indonesia drifted across the island, pushing air pollution into levels considered unhealthy in parts of the city-state.

According to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged from 80 to 108 as of 5pm on September 19, placing air quality between the Moderate and Unhealthy categories. One-hour PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 29 to 66 micrograms per cubic metre, spanning the Normal and Elevated bands. (nea.gov.sg⁠)

The NEA said dry conditions continued over Kalimantan and southern Sumatra in Indonesia, where smoke plumes from fires were observed drifting towards Singapore. Prevailing east-southeasterly or southeasterly winds could continue carrying smoke towards the island. (nea.gov.sg⁠)

Authorities forecast Singapore’s 24-hour PSI to remain in the High Moderate to Mid Unhealthy range, indicating that haze could continue affecting the country if the regional fires and prevailing wind conditions persist. (nea.gov.sg⁠)

The haze has affected Singapore repeatedly during September. On September 15, all five regions recorded unhealthy air quality, the first islandwide occurrence of unhealthy readings since 2019. (sg.finance.yahoo.com⁠)

Singapore authorities have advised healthy people to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity when the 24-hour PSI enters the Unhealthy range. Children, elderly people and pregnant women are advised to minimise such exertion, while people with chronic heart or lung conditions should avoid it. (nea.gov.sg⁠)

The latest episode highlights the continuing regional impact of fires in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra, as changing winds transport smoke across national borders.