Haze persists in Singapore, with PM2.5 level hitting high band in central region
Singapore is experiencing persistent unhealthy air quality due to transboundary haze from hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra. The government has implemented health subsidies and mask distribution plans for vulnerable populations as PM2.5 levels remain elevated.
Why it matters
Transboundary haze is a recurring public health and environmental challenge in Southeast Asia that requires regional cooperation and domestic policy intervention.
Hourly PM2.5 readings in the west have moved in and out of the high band since 3pm.
People wearing masks on Orchard Road as hazy conditions persisted on Oct 12, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
SINGAPORE: Air quality across all five regions of Singapore stayed in the unhealthy range on Monday (Oct 12) as haze persisted across the island.
As of 10pm, hourly PM2.5 levels were in the elevated band in all five regions, with the west recording the highest reading at 138.
The region's 1-hour PM2.5 level entered the high band with a reading of 156 at 5pm before easing back into the elevated band. It climbed again to 171 at 9pm before dipping again.
In its Monday morning advisory, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said widespread hotspots were detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra, while moderate to dense transboundary smoke haze was observed over Singapore.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in