Predictive Indicators Beyond PSI Levels for Activation of Haze Task Force Response Plans

27 Mr Alex Yeo asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in respect of the advisory by the Meteorological Service Singapore and the National Environment Agency (NEA) on 29 May 2026 on the risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore, what other predictive indicators beyond PSI levels will guide the activation of the Haze Task Force's response plans.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Ahead of the annual dry season from June to October, the National Environment Agency (NEA) convened the Haze Task Force (HTF) in April 2026 to standby the response plans across all HTF agencies and sectors. The risk of transboundary haze this year would be higher than in 2025, due to forecasted El Niño conditions which are expected to bring drier than normal weather to Singapore and the surrounding region.

HTF response plans are tiered and activated once relevant 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) thresholds are reached.

Besides tracking the PSI levels, the Meteorological Service Singapore and NEA actively monitor regional hotspots and smoke haze from satellite imagery, as well as forecasts of weather conditions, such as prevailing winds and rainfall. Together, these indicators inform assessments of whether transboundary haze is likely to affect Singapore and guide the issuance of timely public advisories.