Singapore is grappling with one of its worst haze episodes in years, as air pollution levels remain in the "unhealthy" range across the city-state, prompting the government to consider distributing N95 masks to vulnerable groups and even closing schools if conditions worsen.

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in all five regions climbed into unhealthy territory on Thursday, according to China Central Television. While readings eased slightly on Friday, they remained within the unhealthy band, data from the National Environment Agency (NEA) showed.

The haze stems from persistent wildfires in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan regions, where smoke has been carried across borders by prevailing winds. The fires are linked to slash-and-burn agricultural practices, a long-standing source of transboundary haze in Southeast Asia. This year, an exceptionally strong El Niño has worsened drought conditions, parching vegetation and peatlands and making them highly combustible.

Indonesia's forestry ministry monitoring platform SiPongi recorded 13,443 hotspots nationwide between August 1 and September 8, 2026 — up sharply from 9,454 during the same period in 2015, a year marked by a severe regional haze crisis.

Haze typically causes throat irritation, eye discomfort and headaches, and can exacerbate chronic cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. A haze task force led by the NEA said health impacts depend on individual health status, PSI levels, and the duration and intensity of outdoor activity. On Thursday evening, the task force warned that 24-hour PSI could exceed 200 — entering the "very unhealthy" range — citing persistent winds expected to continue blowing smoke toward Singapore despite forecast weekend showers.

At 6 p.m. local time on Thursday, central Singapore recorded a PSI of 192, just shy of the very unhealthy threshold. By 6 a.m. Friday, the region's reading was 176, the worst in the country.

Residents have described the physical toll. "The air feels heavier, the smell is strong, and if I'm outdoors for long, I get uncomfortable or exhausted more easily," 19-year-old university student Natalie told the BBC. Emma, a 21-year-old student, said the haze has affected her voice: "My throat gets itchy," she told the BBC.

The haze task force has announced a series of escalating measures. If PSI enters the "very unhealthy" range, the government will distribute N95 masks to vulnerable groups, including the Pioneer Generation, the Merdeka Generation, recipients of designated assistance schemes, pregnant women, and children aged 7 to 16. Should PSI exceed 200, air-conditioned rooms at community clubs and selected residents' committees will be designated as haze shelters.

In preschools, all outdoor and strenuous indoor activities must cease when air quality is very unhealthy. Classroom lessons will continue, but outdoor activities will be avoided. If the next day's forecast shows 24-hour PSI exceeding 300, the Ministry of Education will consider closing schools, with exam periods extended and papers rescheduled if closures coincide with national examinations.

Public hospitals, polyclinics and nursing homes have activated haze precautions, including air purifiers and closing ward windows.

The haze has also blanketed Indonesian cities and drifted across several neighboring countries. Calls for coordinated ASEAN action have grown, but the bloc's principle of non-interference and a lack of data-sharing have hindered meaningful remedies.