Singapore Haze Update: What the 16 October Government Press Conference Means for Outdoor Activities

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On 16 October 2026, the Singapore Government held a multi-ministry press conference to provide an update on the worsening haze situation and the measures being taken across Singapore.

The key message was clear: the haze may continue for some time, and air quality could potentially reach hazardous levels depending on weather conditions.

For families and participants involved in swimming, aquatic fitness and other outdoor activities, here are the main points to be aware of.

Haze conditions may continue for several weeks

The Government advised Singaporeans to be prepared for the haze to persist for another three to four weeks, with conditions expected to improve as Singapore moves towards the inter-monsoon period in late October to early November.

However, actual air quality will continue to depend on wind direction, rainfall and weather conditions.

The Government also warned that the 24-hour PSI could potentially enter the Hazardous range of 300 and above if conditions worsen.

Use both the 24-hour PSI and 1-hour PM2.5 readings

One important point from the briefing was how Singaporeans should use the different air-quality readings.

The 24-hour PSI reflects longer-term exposure and is useful for planning activities ahead of time.

The 1-hour PM2.5 reading gives a more immediate indication of current conditions and is useful when deciding whether an outdoor activity should proceed closer to the session timing.

For outdoor sports and swimming, this distinction is especially important because conditions can change significantly within a few hours.

A session may appear suitable based on earlier conditions, but plans may still need to change if PM2.5 levels rise before the activity begins.

Additional precautions for children

If the forecasted 24-hour PSI reaches 300 or above, parents may be strongly advised to keep infants and young children at home.

The Ministry of Education has also indicated that schools have contingency plans in place should haze conditions become hazardous.

This reinforces the importance of monitoring both forecast conditions and the latest air-quality readings before outdoor activities.

What this means for School of Swimology programmes

At School of Swimology, we will continue to monitor:

Government and Sport Singapore advisories
NEA air-quality information and forecasts
24-hour PSI readings
Latest 1-hour PM2.5 readings
Venue-specific instructions and closures

Because haze conditions can change quickly, programme decisions may sometimes need to be made or revised closer to the session timing.

Where a programme is affected, participants will be informed directly.

We also encourage families to check the School of Swimology WhatsApp Channel for the latest programme updates before leaving for their session.

Staying informed

The Government has advised Singaporeans to continue monitoring official air-quality updates and to take additional precautions where necessary, particularly for children, seniors and other vulnerable individuals.

Free N95 masks are also being distributed through designated Community Clubs and vending machines for eligible Singaporeans.

As the haze situation develops, School of Swimology will continue to adjust our programmes where necessary, while balancing participant safety with continuity of learning and activity.