Singapore braces for up to two days of unhealthy air from Kalimantan haze

Smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan could again be transported to Singapore as winds turn to blow from east-southeast to south-east. — AsiaOne pic

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 10:41 AM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 21 — Singapore is bracing for what could be up to two days of poor air quality, with winds forecast to blow from the east-southeast to south-east — again transporting smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan to the city state.

In its daily haze situation update on Oct 20 evening, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said showers are expected over the northern and western regions and the surround region.

However, dry conditions are likely to persist over the southern parts of Kalimantan over the next few days.

“Under prevailing east-southeasterly to southeasterly winds, smoke haze may drift from fires in Kalimantan towards Singapore,” NEA said.

The 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) forecast for Singapore is 110 to 180 — in the unhealthy range.

At 9am on Wednesday (Oct 21), hourly PM2.5 in the northern (42), eastern (53) and southern (41) regions were in the normal band (0 to 55µg/m3). PSI in these areas were also in the moderate range (PSI 0 to 100).

Meanwhile, concentration readings in western and central Singapore were 70 and 81 respectively.

PSI in the two regions were in the unhealthy range. 

Members of the public should check the latest hourly PM2.5 readings before participating in any outdoor activities.

PM2.5-based outdoor work guidance

The Ministry of Manpower on Tuesday provided employers with additional guidance to adjust outdoor work based on the hourly PM2.5 readings.

It is intended to complement existing guidelines based on the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast, the ministry stated.

Under the additional guidance, all outdoor activities can go on as planned when PM2.5 is in the normal band (0 to 55μg/m3), but there are now activity references across for healthy and vulnerable workers when concentration readings reach the elevated (56 to 150), high (151 to 250) and very high (251 and above) bands.

Employers are reminded to review their haze management plans.

These include identifying workers who are more susceptible to the effects of haze, determining which outdoor activities should be reduced or rescheduled; setting criteria for restricting outdoor work as conditions worsen, and maintaining at least a one-week supply of masks as part of their haze-related business continuity plans. — AsiaOne