Politics · Singapore Bureau
Singapore braces for PSI surge above 300 as haze persists through monsoon shift
The Pollutant Standards Index could spike beyond 300 before air quality improves with the onset of the inter-monsoon period, Singapore's environment minister has warned. Authorities have assured the public of adequate mask supplies to meet demand during the deterioration.
LSN Singapore ·
Singapore faces a temporary worsening of air quality, with the Pollutant Standards Index potentially exceeding 300 in the coming period, Environment and Water Resources Minister Grace Fu cautioned on Tuesday. The spike is expected to occur before conditions improve with the arrival of the inter-monsoon season, which typically brings shifts in wind patterns that can disperse regional haze.
Fu's assessment reflects ongoing concerns about transboundary haze, a recurring challenge for Singapore during certain seasons. The minister's warning signals residents should prepare for hazardous air quality levels, which may restrict outdoor activities and affect vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Addressing public concerns about preparedness, Fu emphasised that Singapore maintains sufficient stockpiles of protective masks in government warehouses to meet anticipated demand. The assurance comes as authorities urge residents to take precautionary measures, including wearing N95 or equivalent masks during periods of poor air quality, and monitoring official PSI readings from the National Environment Agency.
The inter-monsoon period, typically characterised by changeable wind directions and occasional heavy rainfall, is expected to gradually improve atmospheric conditions. Singapore's multi-pronged approach to haze management includes regional cooperation, public health advisories, and maintaining emergency reserves of protective equipment.