Singapore’s air pollution worsened to the highest in the world as haze from Indonesia wildfires blanketed the city-state, driving regional Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings firmly into the unhealthy range ahead of the annual Formula One night race weekend, according to data from IQAir and the National Environment Agency (NEA).
The severe transboundary haze prompted the closure of about 200 schools, kindergartens, and nurseries in the district of Bahu Pahat in the Malaysian state of Johor, located about 140 kilometers northwest of Singapore, as reported by local media. Dry conditions across southern Southeast Asia continue to keep the risk of fires and smoke plumes elevated.
Regional PSI Readings Reach Unhealthy Levels Across Singapore
Air quality across Singapore remained impaired as air pollutant numbers crept upward. 24-hour PSI readings at 8:00 AM stood at 113 in the north, 145 in the south, 140 in the east, 161 in the west, and 166 in the central region. The central region reading edged close to the year’s previous high of 167 recorded on September 29. A PSI reading between 101 and 200 is classified as unhealthy.
Meanwhile, the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration in western Singapore entered the “high” band for the first time this haze season, hitting 152 at 4:00 PM. The National Environment Agency advised healthy individuals to reduce strenuous outdoor activity when PM2.5 levels are elevated, while vulnerable groups—including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions—should avoid such activity.
Smoke Plumes Drift From Sumatra and Kalimantan
The deteriorating air quality stems from moderate to dense smoke plumes drifting from southern Sumatra and West Kalimantan. The NEA stated that prevailing south-easterly or southerly winds continue to push the haze toward Singapore amidst persistent dry weather in the neighbouring Indonesian territories.
Similar haze conditions have recurred since September, when dry conditions and fires in Indonesia periodically pushed air quality across all five regions into unhealthy territory. Meteorological forecasts indicate that incoming rain expected over the weekend may help the haze situation, though prevailing winds could sustain the pall in the interim.
Formula One Grand Prix Preparations and Contingency Measures
Motorsport governing body FIA confirmed that the Singapore Grand Prix will proceed as normal, though officials warned that haze could trigger restrictions on entertainment and other outdoor activities at the circuit. An FIA spokesperson told Reuters that air quality levels are under continuous monitoring by local authorities and that appropriate contingency measures are in place.
The Singapore Tourism Board announced it is tracking pollution figures closely and stands ready to distribute N95 masks and provide on-site medical assistance if visibility, public health or operational issues escalate. Formula One drivers expressed little concern over the conditions. Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton noted he has more pressing issues to focus on, while Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas remarked that the haze does not yet feel extreme.
Why Smoke from Indonesia Causes Singapore Haze?
Why is Singapore experiencing haze right now?
The haze is caused by smoke plumes originating from active fires and dry conditions in southern Sumatra and West Kalimantan, Indonesia, which are carried toward Singapore by prevailing south-easterly and southerly winds, according to the National Environment Agency.
How does the 24-hour PSI differ from the 1-hour PM2.5 reading?
The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index is a rolling average of six key air pollutants reflecting daily air quality, whereas the 1-hour PM2.5 reading provides an immediate gauge of fine particulate matter concentration to help individuals make real-time decisions regarding outdoor activities.
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