Singapore air quality deteriorates in western and central zones

Singapore's air quality showed mixed conditions on September 20, with significant deterioration in the western and central regions while eastern zones maintained comparatively cleaner air. The Pollutant Standards Index in the western region climbed to 102 at 4 a.m., crossing into the unhealthy range and marking a notable increase from earlier readings. Central Singapore similarly registered unhealthy PSI levels during the morning hours, indicating widespread haze affecting the country's western corridor. In contrast, the eastern region's air quality dipped back to the moderate range, suggesting the haze impact was unevenly distributed across the island. The divergence in air quality across different zones underscores the variable nature of transboundary haze pollution affecting Singapore. Residents in the affected western and central areas were advised to take precautions, particularly those in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. The National Environment Agency continued monitoring air quality levels throughout the day, with updates provided hourly to help the public make informed decisions about outdoor activities.