Why is Singapore’s PSI spiking today?
The PSI in Singapore's central region rose to 173, the highest reading of 2026, because smoke from forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan is being carried by south‑easterly winds. The National Environment Agency has issued health advisories and contingency plans for events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
What happened
- 9 Oct, 06:30 UTC
Central region PSI reached 173, a new 2026 high as smoke from southern Sumatra and West Kalimantan drifted over Singapore [1]
- 8 Oct, evening
NEA forecasted high‑moderate to mid‑unhealthy PSI and warned haze could continue with prevailing winds [1]
- 8 Oct
Tourism Board confirmed contingency plans for the F1 race, including on‑site masks and medical aid if haze worsens [3]
What you need to know
Unhealthy PSI (101‑200) means healthy people should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
Vulnerable groups (elderly, children, pregnant women, chronic patients) should avoid outdoor activity altogether.
PM2.5 levels above 150 trigger advice to avoid strenuous activity for the next hour.
Event organisers have prepared masks and medical stations for the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix.
It is not yet confirmed how long the haze will persist; forecasts depend on future wind patterns and the timing of the rainy season in Indonesia.
Background
Indonesia's forest and peatland fires, driven by illegal slash‑and‑burn practices and intensified by a strong El Niño, have created dense smoke plumes that regularly drift to neighboring countries. This year's fires are among the worst in a decade, with delayed rains expected to keep the haze going into early November [2].
Singapore's National Environment Agency monitors six pollutants to calculate a 24‑hour PSI. Readings above 100 are classified as unhealthy, prompting public health advisories. Since early September, the island has experienced consecutive days of unhealthy PSI, a situation not seen since 2023 [1][2].
The haze has impacted regional activities, prompting school closures in Malaysia and prompting Singapore to implement precautionary measures for large public events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, including on‑site N95 masks and medical assistance [3].
Questions people ask
What does a PSI of 173 mean for daily life?
It falls in the unhealthy range; healthy individuals should reduce prolonged outdoor activities, and vulnerable people should stay indoors if possible.
Will the Formula 1 race be cancelled because of the haze?
Authorities have contingency plans and have said the race is not expected to be cancelled, though restrictions on outdoor entertainment may be applied if air quality worsens.
How long is the haze expected to last?
Experts say the haze could continue until early November, depending on wind direction and the arrival of the rainy season in Indonesia.
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
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