At 8am on Tuesday (Oct 20), the 1-hour PM2.5 readings were elevated across Singapore, with only the northern region in the normal band. Readings across the five regions ranged from 40 to 88.
The 24-hour PSI was in the unhealthy range in the west (125) and central (114) regions. The rest of Singapore was in the moderate range. The National Environment Agency (NEA) said showers forecast for Tuesday might reduce the haze, though haze from Sumatra may still drift towards Singapore.
What this means for children and families
- When the 24-hour PSI is unhealthy, NEA advises children, the elderly and pregnant women to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
- From Tuesday night till Thursday, winds are likely to turn east-southeasterly, which might bring smoke haze from Kalimantan fires towards Singapore.
- NEA says the risk of severe transboundary haze remains, as dry conditions persist in parts of the southern Southeast Asian region.
What NEA and MOH advise
- Check the 1-hour PM2.5 readings, not the PSI, for decisions on mask use and immediate outdoor activities, NEA advises.
- Note that MOH says N95 masks are generally not needed for commuting between home and school or work, or indoors.