🇸🇬 Singapore Haze 2026: What Every Singaporean Needs to Know
Don’t panic—but don’t ignore it. Check the air, protect your health, and plan your day wisely.
Singapore is experiencing another episode of transboundary haze, and this time the air quality has moved into the Unhealthy range in several parts of the island.
On 4 September 2026, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in Singapore's Central region crossed 101, entering the Unhealthy range for the first time due to haze since October 2023. The situation continued into Saturday, 5 September, with the Central region recording a PSI of 117 at 8am. The West and East regions had also entered the Unhealthy range earlier in the morning before improving somewhat.
This is a timely reminder that haze is not simply about a smoky smell or reduced visibility. Fine particles in haze can affect our respiratory system and health—particularly when exposure is prolonged or combined with strenuous outdoor activity.
🌫️ Where is the haze coming from?
According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), smoke plumes from fires in the southern and central parts of Sumatra and various parts of Kalimantan have been observed drifting towards Singapore.
Dry conditions in the region, together with prevailing southeasterly or southerly winds, could continue to bring transboundary haze to Singapore if the fires persist.
The regional situation is being closely monitored. The NEA's haze monitoring information reported moderate to dense smoke haze in parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra, with unhealthy conditions reported at some regional air-quality stations.
📊 What does the PSI actually mean?
Many people look at the PSI number but may not know what action they should take.
According to NEA:
| 24-hour PSI | Air Quality | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | Normal activities |
| 51–100 | Moderate | Generally normal activities |
| 101–200 | Unhealthy | Reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity |
| 201–300 | Very Unhealthy | Minimise outdoor activities |
| >300 | Hazardous | Avoid outdoor activities |
🚨 The important number to remember: 101
Once the 24-hour PSI reaches 101, Singapore is officially in the Unhealthy range.
That doesn't mean everyone must stay indoors—but it does mean we should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity.
👀 PSI or PM2.5—which should you watch?
This is one of the most important things every Singaporean should understand.
24-hour PSI = plan ahead
The 24-hour PSI and NEA's forecast are useful for deciding whether you should schedule outdoor activities tomorrow.
1-hour PM2.5 = check what's happening now
PM2.5 refers to very small particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. NEA recommends checking the 1-hour PM2.5 reading for immediate outdoor activities, while using the 24-hour PSI forecast to plan ahead.
Simple rule:
Going out now? Check 1-hour PM2.5.
Planning tomorrow's outdoor activity? Check the 24-hour PSI forecast.
🏃 Should you exercise outdoors?
When the PSI is Unhealthy, this is not the time to prove how tough you are.
Consider postponing or moving strenuous activities such as:
Running
Long-distance cycling
Outdoor football
Hiking
Vigorous outdoor workouts
Prolonged outdoor work
Other activities involving heavy physical exertion
For healthy individuals, NEA advises reducing prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion when the PSI is Unhealthy.
An indoor workout is a sensible alternative until conditions improve.
👨👩👧👦 Vulnerable groups need extra care
Some people are more susceptible to the effects of haze.
These include:
👴 Elderly persons
👶 Children
🤰 Pregnant women
❤️ People with chronic heart conditions
🫁 People with chronic lung conditions
NEA advises vulnerable groups to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion when the PSI is Unhealthy. People with chronic heart or lung conditions should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
If someone develops symptoms or feels unwell, particularly those in vulnerable groups, medical attention should be sought promptly.
🏠 What can you do at home?
During haze episodes:
1. Keep windows and doors closed when appropriate
This can help reduce the amount of outdoor polluted air entering the home.
2. Check your air-conditioner
Ensure your air-conditioning system is operating properly and that filters are maintained.
3. Consider using an air purifier
If you have an air purifier, check that it is functioning properly and that its filter is in good condition. NEA has specifically advised households to check their air purifiers when haze is imminent.
4. Stay hydrated
NEA advises members of the public to drink plenty of water during the haze situation.
5. Don't ignore symptoms
If you experience persistent breathing difficulty, chest discomfort, significant coughing or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention.
🏢 What about workplaces?
Haze is also a workplace safety and health issue.
When the 24-hour PSI reaches the Unhealthy range, Singapore's Government advises workplaces to implement appropriate measures, including reducing the duration of prolonged or strenuous work for healthy employees. Employers are reminded to follow MOM's haze guidelines and relevant tripartite advisories.
For outdoor or physically demanding work, employers should consider:
PLAN → MONITOR → CONTROL → COMMUNICATE
PLAN
Review outdoor work and strenuous activities.
MONITOR
Check the latest 1-hour PM2.5 and 24-hour PSI.
CONTROL
Reduce exposure, duration and physical exertion where appropriate.
COMMUNICATE
Keep employees informed of the haze situation and the precautions they should take.
Most importantly, supervisors should not assume that everyone will respond to haze in the same way.
📱 Make the NEA haze advisory part of your daily routine
NEA has commenced daily haze advisories, issued from the evening during this haze episode.
The advisory provides a 24-hour PSI forecast to help people plan activities and events for the following day.
Before planning your next day's activities, make this a habit:
CHECK → ASSESS → ACT
CHECK
📱 Check NEA / haze.gov.sg / myENV.
ASSESS
📊 Look at the 24-hour PSI forecast and 1-hour PM2.5.
ACT
🏃 Adjust outdoor exercise, work and activities according to the conditions.
NEA Haze Microsite – haze.gov.sg
National Environment Agency – NEA
🇸🇬 Don't panic. Don't ignore it.
Singapore has experienced haze episodes before, and the current situation may change quickly depending on regional fires, rainfall and wind conditions.
But haze should not be treated casually either.
The right response is not fear. It is awareness.
Check the air quality.
Protect vulnerable family members.
Reduce unnecessary strenuous outdoor activity.
Stay hydrated.
Keep your home environment comfortable.
And, importantly, follow the latest NEA advisory rather than relying on yesterday's PSI reading.
🌏 One final message for every Singaporean
The haze may come from across our borders, but protecting ourselves starts at home, at work and in our daily choices.
A five-minute check of the NEA air-quality reading before heading out could make a meaningful difference.
“Don't just look at the sky. Check the PSI. Know the PM2.5. Protect yourself. Protect your family.”
🇸🇬 Stay safe, Singapore. Breathe smart.
Information in this article is based on the latest NEA information available on 5 September 2026. Haze conditions and air-quality readings can change throughout the day. Always refer to the latest NEA advisory and official air-quality readings for current conditions.
