Air quality in western Singapore was very unhealthy on Sunday (Oct 18). At 7am, the 24-hour PSI there was 228, while the other four regions stayed in the unhealthy band, at 129 to 185. Hourly PM2.5 readings across the country ranged from 78 to 125.
NEA said smoke haze from Kalimantan fires drifted towards Singapore on Saturday, and it also saw haze over Sumatra. Winds are forecast to shift on Sunday, which may reduce the haze from Kalimantan, though some from Sumatra may still arrive. More showers are forecast for Monday and Tuesday. NEA also warned of a continued risk of severe transboundary haze.
What the haze means for families this week
- ActiveSG facilities reopened Saturday; the Nov 1 Great Eastern Women's Run is cancelled and the Purple Parade postponed to the first half of 2027.
- MOH counts the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic heart or lung conditions as vulnerable to haze.
- Elderly people, pregnant women and those with severe heart or lung conditions with breathing difficulties should consult a doctor before using an N95, says MOH.
MOH's haze advice on outdoor activity and masks
- Use 1-hour PM2.5 readings, not 24-hour PSI, to decide on a mask for immediate outdoor activities, MOH advises.
- Avoid outdoor activity if vulnerable and PM2.5 is 151–250; all should minimise it at 251 and above, MOH advises.
- Take a break from an N95 if it causes discomfort, MOH advises; KN95, FFP2 and KF94 masks also reduce exposure.