Singapore enters 12th day of unhealthy air quality, longest stretch since 2015

Singapore has now endured 12 consecutive days of unhealthy air quality, marking the longest such stretch since the severe haze crisis of 2015. The sustained period of poor air conditions represents a significant departure from recent years, when the city-state experienced shorter episodes of degraded air quality.

Previous unhealthy air episodes occurred in 2019 and 2023, but both were considerably shorter in duration than the current situation. The National Environment Agency has been monitoring air quality levels closely, with the Pollutant Standards Index indicating persistent unhealthy readings.

The extended haze episode has raised concerns among health authorities, who have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Indoor air filtration and the use of N95 masks have been recommended as precautionary measures.

The prolonged air quality degradation reflects regional atmospheric conditions and transboundary pollution patterns that periodically affect Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. Authorities continue to track meteorological conditions that may influence air quality improvements in the coming days.