Air quality in Singapore improved slightly overnight into Wednesday (Oct 21). At 8am, the 24-hour PSI was still unhealthy in the west (132) and central (116) regions. One-hour PM2.5 readings in those two regions were in the elevated band, and readings across the five regions ranged from 33 to 81.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) forecasts the 24-hour PSI to range from 110 to 180 on Wednesday. Smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan may still be blown towards Singapore, and dry conditions are likely to persist over southern Kalimantan in the coming days.
What the unhealthy PSI means for children
- The east returned to the moderate PSI range at 3am, joining the south, which has been moderate since 10pm on Tuesday; other regions read 83 to 97.
- Moderate readings have been brief: Monday was the first moderate day since Oct 9, with three of five regions in that range.
- NEA's advice for the unhealthy range covers children, the elderly and pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions are advised to avoid such activity altogether.
What NEA and MOH advise
- Minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion when the 24-hour PSI is unhealthy, NEA advises children, the elderly and pregnant women.
- Check the one-hour PM2.5 readings, not the 24-hour PSI, for mask and immediate outdoor activity decisions, NEA advises.
- Avoid outdoor activities when PM2.5 is in the high band if vulnerable, MOH advises; those going out may wear a well-fitting N95 or equivalent.
- Skip N95 masks for travel between home and school, MOH says, as they are generally not needed for commuting or indoors.