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Haze From Indonesian Fires Pushes Singapore Air to Unhealthy

Hazy view over Singapore’s Civic District, the Padang and the Esplanade
Photo: “A spectacular view of the Civic District of Singapore from 1-Altitude Gallery - 20110812” by User: (WT-shared) Elvismaras at wts wikivoyage. · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons

In brief

Singapore’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index ranged from 121 to 186 on the evening of October 15, in the unhealthy band, as smoke from fires in Kalimantan drifted over the island, the Meteorological Service Singapore said. The Straits Times reported readings in the west briefly entered the very unhealthy range overnight.

Is the air in Singapore unhealthy today? Officials forecast the 24-hour PSI for October 16 to be in the unhealthy range, possibly reaching the low end of very unhealthy, depending on the wind. At 6 p.m. on October 15, one-hour PM2.5 readings ranged from 95 to 208 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore.

Where is the smoke coming from?

Southeasterly winds carried smoke from fires in Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, the weather service said, while haze was also seen over parts of Sumatra. The Straits Times reported that the western part of Singapore recorded the highest readings of the season, around 208 to 212.

Could it improve soon?

Showers expected over the weekend and a change in wind direction could ease conditions, forecasters said. CNA reported that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore may consider legal action against companies under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act if they are found responsible for fires.

How to protect yourself

Health advice generally suggests reducing long or strenuous outdoor activity when the PSI is unhealthy, especially for children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions. Check official updates and follow local guidance.

General news summary based on public reports. ViralScopeHub is not affiliated with any government, court or organisation named here and is not responsible for decisions readers make based on this summary. Check the linked sources for the latest updates.

Why it matters

Haze episodes affect health, schools, outdoor events and flights across Southeast Asia, and can recur through the dry season.

People also ask

What PSI level is unhealthy in Singapore?

A 24-hour PSI of 101 to 200 is unhealthy, and 201 to 300 is very unhealthy.

What causes haze in Singapore?

Smoke from land and forest fires in Indonesia, mostly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, carried by the wind.

Related free tools: Air Quality

Sources

Every ViralScopeHub news item is an original summary written in our own words. We link to the original reporting so you can read the full story from the publisher.

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