For residents, the persistent haze means navigating air quality levels that have largely remained in the unhealthy range. Health risks associated with these pollutants require specific behavioral adjustments to limit exposure. The National Environment Agency (NEA) advises that healthy individuals should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities when the 24-hour PSI is between 101 and 200. Meanwhile, vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, are urged to minimize or completely avoid outdoor exertion.
According to The Straits Times, the hourly PM2.5 readings also reflect elevated pollution, with scores reaching 131 in the central region at 2pm. Other areas reported significant levels as well, including 144 in the west, 120 in the south, 159 in the east, and 130 in the north. The highest hourly PM2.5 reading for 2026 was recorded in the west at 2am on Oct 9, hitting 171. These PM2.5 metrics are used to gauge immediate air quality, with scores between 151 and 250 indicating high pollution levels that necessitate the avoidance of strenuous outdoor activity.