Singapore's haze finally eases: Monday PSI forecast back to Moderate, but authorities warn dry spells could bring a rebound

Singapore's three-week haze episode is easing. The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported a 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) of 91 to 107 at 7pm on October 25, spanning Moderate to Unhealthy, and forecasts a 24-hour PSI of 70 to 100, in the Moderate range, for Monday, October 26.

Down from the peak, but not over

The season's highest 24-hour PSI was 230 in the west on the morning of October 18. Readings eased to the Moderate range by the evening of October 22, then rose again to 108 to 151 on October 24 as smoke from Sumatra drifted in. Regional readings at 9pm on October 25 were: North 90, South 88, East 96, West 103 and Central 95, while the one-hour PM2.5 reading, the better guide for immediate activity, was in the Normal band across the island.

NEA's advice for Monday is to continue normal activities, while checking the one-hour PM2.5 before immediate outdoor plans. The Haze Subsidy Scheme, in place since October 12, has no announced end date, and a second round of N95 mask packs for people aged 60 and above has been available since October 23.

This week's weather and the caveat

The Meteorological Service expects afternoon thundery showers on most days this week, with highs of 33 to 34°C. But the haze is not officially over: southern Sumatra and parts of Kalimantan remain dry, and a return of southeasterly or southerly winds during dry spells could again carry smoke in and send PSI spiking, so residents should keep checking the daily air-quality updates.