If you stepped outside yesterday, you likely noticed the acrid smell and thick, grey veil hanging over the city yet again. And it wasn’t just a bad weather day, Singapore actually recorded its worst haze since the historic 2015 crisis. By mid afternoon on October 14, the hourly PM2.5 readings in the western part of the island skyrocketed to a hazardous 288—plunging us deep into the very high risk range. This is just after we recorded the world’s worst air pollution last week. Here’s what you should know about the worst haze since 2015 in Singapore.
Singapore’s worst haze since 2015
The 2026 haze crisis is caused by dense smoke from agricultural fires in Indonesia, swept straight into Singapore and Malaysia by prevailing southeasterly winds. Although, Indonesian officials are saying the country also sends oxygen to us too.
The Singapore air quality has deteriorated so rapidly that the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is now flashing red in the unhealthy range islandwide.
Additionally, many clubs are cancelling outdoor activities and swimming pools across the island. Meanwhile, Malaysia cancelled school in some of the worst-hit areas this week.
With skies looking increasingly apocalyptic, authorities aren’t waiting for the numbers to worsen before taking action. To help citizens, the government has fast-tracked the distribution of N95 masks, especially for the most vulnerable residents. Plus, there are now freshly deployed vending machines across the island to purchase masks.
Additionally, many community clubs and resident network centres have converted their air-conditioned rooms into dedicated haze shelters. Did you know Singapore is in the top five most polluted cities in Southeast Asia too?
For now, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is urging everyone to ditch the outdoor runs and stay inside. Be sure to keep your windows shut, switch on air purifiers, and keep an eye on Singapore PSI readings. Get our haze protection guide here.
If you think this week number’s are alarming, you might remember the haze nightmare in October 2015. Back then, the hourly PM2.5 reading in the west hit 471 on October 19—a level so toxic it remains the absolute highest ever recorded in Singapore. See where to collect a free mask in Singapore.
