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Singapore haze: Air quality remains unhealthy across country; PM2.5 readings normal in all regions

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In short

The air quality in Singapore remains unhealthy, with PM2.5 readings normal across all regions, while the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranges from 103 to 138. Winds from the southwest or west are expected to limit smoke haze transport to the country, and showers are anticipated to improve conditions. NEA advises the public to monitor the 24-hour PSI forecast for outdoor activities and to check the 1-hour PM2.5 readings before engaging in immediate outdoor activities.

Key points

  • The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranges from 103 to 138.: The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranges from 103 to 138.
  • Winds from the southwest or west are expected to limit smoke haze transport to Singapore.: Winds from the southwest or west are expected to limit smoke haze transport to Singapore.
  • Healthy individuals are advised to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertio…: Healthy individuals are advised to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion on Sunday.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

At 8am, the 24-hour PSI readings ranged from 103 to 138, while the hourly PM2.5 readings ranged from 43 to 55.

SINGAPORE: Air quality remained unhealthy across Singapore on Sunday (Oct 25), with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings ranging from 103 to 138 at 8am.

Hourly PM2.5 readings, however, were in the normal band in all five regions, ranging from 43 to 55.

In its evening advisory on Saturday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the 24-hour PSI for Sunday was expected to range from 80 to 130, spanning the good to moderate and unhealthy bands.

"Winds are expected to blow from the southwest or west, which could limit transport of smoke haze to Singapore," the agency said, adding that expected showers over Singapore and the surrounding region could help with haze conditions.

The winds are expected to continue blowing from the southwest or west on Monday and Tuesday.

"With showers expected over Singapore and the vicinity, the haze situation is likely to improve," said NEA.

NEA has advised the public to refer to the 24-hour PSI forecast when planning outdoor activities and to check the latest 1-hour PM2.5 readings before undertaking immediate outdoor activities.

When hourly PM2.5 concentrations are in the elevated band, healthy individuals should reduce strenuous outdoor activities for the next hour.

Vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities during that period.

For Sunday, NEA advised healthy individuals to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, while elderly people, pregnant women and children should minimise such activities.

People with chronic heart or lung disease should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.

Original source: www.channelnewsasia.com

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