Singapore could face a higher risk of transboundary haze in the coming week as dry conditions continue across parts of the region, with hot spots and smoke plumes detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Aug. 9 that the situation was being closely monitored, as persistent dry weather could worsen fires in neighbouring areas and increase the possibility of smoke drifting towards Singapore.
As of 1pm on Aug. 9, Singapore’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) had reached 81 in the central region. This remains within the moderate range, although it is towards the upper end of that category. A 24-hour PSI reading above 100 is classified as unhealthy.
Fires In Sumatra And Kalimantan Raise Concerns
According to the NEA, the recent dry conditions have contributed to an increase in the number of hot spots detected across the region.
Hot spots and smoke plumes have been observed over parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. With south-easterly winds currently prevailing, smoke from fires could potentially move towards Singapore.
The agency said the risk could be particularly relevant for smoke originating from southern Sumatra, where fires could affect Singapore if the prevailing winds carry the haze across the sea.
Dry weather is expected to persist over the coming week. If the fires continue burning, this could increase the likelihood of transboundary haze affecting Singapore.
Singapore Monitoring Air Quality Closely
The NEA said it would continue monitoring developments and provide updates if the haze situation changes significantly.
Should Singapore’s 24-hour PSI enter the unhealthy range, the agency will issue daily haze advisories. These advisories will include the forecast 24-hour PSI, allowing residents to make decisions about outdoor activities and events planned for the following day.
For immediate air-quality conditions, residents are advised to check the latest one-hour PM2.5 concentration readings.
The one-hour PM2.5 reading can change considerably throughout the day depending on weather conditions. This is particularly relevant during periods when transboundary haze is affecting Singapore.
People planning outdoor exercise or strenuous activities over the next few hours can use the one-hour PM2.5 personal guide to assess whether they should reduce their level of activity.
Health Advice During Haze
The health impact of haze varies from person to person and depends on factors including an individual’s health condition, the 24-hour PSI level and how long and intensely they are exposed to outdoor air.
The NEA recommends reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion when haze levels worsen. Staying well hydrated by drinking sufficient water can also help reduce some of the effects associated with haze exposure.
People with existing chronic heart or lung conditions are advised to ensure that they have their prescribed medication readily available.
Elderly people, pregnant women, children and those with chronic heart or lung conditions are among the groups considered more vulnerable to the effects of haze. Anyone in these groups who develops symptoms or feels unwell should seek medical attention promptly.
Current air-quality readings and official haze advisories are available through the NEA’s website, haze.gov.sg and the myENV mobile application.
Haze Task Force Ready To Respond
Singapore’s Government Haze Task Force, chaired by the NEA, is responsible for coordinating measures to minimise and manage the impact of haze on the country.
The task force comprises 28 public agencies, each with its own action plan. These measures allow the Government to adopt different responses depending on the severity of the haze, based on air-quality readings and forecasts.
The task force normally meets each year ahead of the dry season, typically around June, to review and update its contingency plans.
However, the group has already convened twice in 2026.
The first meeting took place towards the end of January after dry weather in eastern Johor contributed to heat and vegetation fires. Some smoke from those fires was subsequently observed drifting towards Singapore.
The task force also met again in April.
August And September Identified As Key Period
The latest haze concerns come after the Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a rare red alert in its 2026 annual Haze Outlook report in June.
The report warned of the potential for severe transboundary haze to affect several countries in the region, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
It identified August and September as the period of greatest concern.
With dry conditions now continuing and fires detected in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, authorities are keeping a close watch on developments to determine whether worsening regional fires could eventually affect Singapore’s air quality.
For now, the 24-hour PSI remains below the unhealthy threshold, but residents are advised to monitor official updates, particularly if they have outdoor activities planned in the coming days.