Dry Spell Puts Singapore on Haze Watch as Sumatra, Kalimantan Fires Persist
Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has placed the city-state on alert for potential haze, as dry conditions persist across the region and fires continue to burn in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan. In an advisory posted on its website on Monday, NEA reported that hotspots with smoke plumes had been observed mostly in southern and central Sumatra and various parts of Kalimantan amid continuous dry conditions.
The advisory, as reported by Malay Mail, warns that "the dry conditions are expected to persist in the coming days" and that under prevailing southeasterly or southwesterly winds, "Singapore may experience hazy conditions should the fires intensify." The agency said it would continue to closely monitor the situation and provide daily haze advisories if the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) enters the unhealthy range.
NEA noted that Southwest Monsoon conditions were prevailing over Singapore and the surrounding region, with winds expected to blow from the southeast or southwest. While localised short-duration thundery showers were expected over parts of the island during late morning and afternoon on some days, the total rainfall for the second fortnight of August 2026 is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.
Air Quality Deteriorates in Central Singapore
The Straits Times reported that the 24-hour PSI in the central part of Singapore hit 91 at 2pm on August 24, approaching the unhealthy range of 100. In a Facebook post on the same day, NEA said it observed an escalation in hotspot and smoke haze activity over the weekend, with hotspots and dense smoke plumes detected mainly in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra. Some smoke plumes were also observed in Riau.
As of 2pm on August 24, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 68 to 91 across the island, all within the moderate range. The 1-hour PM2.5 concentration ranged from 33 to 65 micrograms per cubic metre during the same period.
NEA said it is closely monitoring the overall air quality and will provide the necessary advisory should air quality worsen. With prevailing winds blowing from the south or southeast, there could be occasional periods of haze affecting Singapore, the agency warned.
Public Advisory and Precautions
NEA has advised the public to stay informed about air quality conditions through its official channels. The agency recommends checking its website, the haze microsite, and the myENV app for real-time information. For those planning immediate outdoor activities, NEA advises referring to the 1-hour PM2.5 levels and the personal guide provided by the agency to make informed decisions.
As the dry spell continues, the situation remains fluid. Both Malay Mail and The Straits Times report that NEA is closely monitoring developments and will issue further advisories as necessary, particularly if the PSI enters the unhealthy range.