Why is Singapore’s PSI spiking today?
The PSI in Singapore's central region rose to 173, the highest reading of 2026, because dense smoke plumes from fires in Sumatra and West Kalimantan are being carried by south‑easterly winds. The National Environment Agency has issued haze advisories urging reduced outdoor activity, especially for vulnerable groups.
What happened
- 9 Oct, 06:30 UTC
Central region PSI reached 173, a new 2026 high as smoke from Sumatra and Kalimantan drifted toward Singapore [1]
- Earlier
Indonesia's wildfires, driven by illegal slash‑and‑burn and a super El Niño drought, have been producing regional haze for weeks [2]
- Oct 8
NEA forecasted high‑moderate to mid‑unhealthy PSI and warned haze could continue with prevailing winds [1]
What you need to know
Unhealthy PSI (101‑200) means healthy people should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
Vulnerable groups should avoid outdoor activity altogether.
NEA provides hourly PM2.5 updates; values above 150 indicate high pollution.
Contingency plans for the F1 Grand Prix include on‑site medical aid and N95 masks if needed.
Exact duration of the current haze episode is uncertain; officials say it could persist until the rainy season arrives in early November [2].
Background
Smoke from Indonesian forest and peat fires has been drifting across the region since July, driven by illegal slash‑and‑burn practices and exacerbated by a strong El Niño that created dry conditions [2].
Singapore's National Environment Agency monitors six pollutants to calculate a 24‑hour PSI; readings above 100 are classified as unhealthy, prompting health advisories [1].
The haze has already affected regional events, prompting school closures in Malaysia and contingency planning for Singapore's Formula 1 race, though the race itself is expected to continue [3].
Questions people ask
What does a PSI of 173 mean for daily life?
It falls in the unhealthy range, so healthy individuals should reduce prolonged outdoor activities and stay hydrated; vulnerable people should stay indoors if possible.
Will the Formula 1 Grand Prix be cancelled?
Authorities have contingency plans, including medical assistance and masks, but officials say the race is not expected to be cancelled despite the haze.
Why are the fires in Indonesia so severe this year?
Illegal slash‑and‑burn clearing combined with a super El Niño‑induced drought has created one of the worst wildfire seasons in a decade.
Where this came from
[1] straitstimes.com
Haze in Singapore: PSI hits 170 in central region, a new high for 2026
Preview image from straitstimes.com
[2] bbc.com
Singapore and Malaysia shrouded in toxic haze from months-long Indonesia wildfires
Preview image from bbc.com
[3] channelnewsasia.com
Contingency plans in place for Singapore F1 amid haze: STB
Preview image from channelnewsasia.com
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.