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Haze, heat and UV in Singapore: how to check the air and sun before you go out
Singapore weather is rarely boring. There are hot, humid afternoons, sudden storms and, on some days, haze drifting in from the region. The good news is that you can see most of it coming. A quick look at the Weather page before you leave tells you whether to grab a hat, bring water or take the workout indoors.
Update, 16 October 2026: the haze has worsened since this post. The Central region reached a 24 hour PSI of 228 at 2pm today. See how it compares with 2023 in Haze in Singapore, 2026 compared with 2023: how bad has it been, and how to check it in PantauSivik.
Quick plan: check PSI for the air, UV for the sun and lightning for storms. Then switch on the Environment alert so the app tells you when things change.
What to check, at a glance
| Check | What it tells you | Good moment to look |
|---|---|---|
| PSI | How clean the air is in your part of Singapore | Before outdoor exercise, or on a hazy day |
| UV index | How strong the sun is | Before a long walk, a match or a day at the beach |
| Heat stress | How hard the heat is on your body | Before hard exercise in the middle of the day |
| Lightning | How far strikes are, and in which direction | On stormy afternoons, before heading outside |
Check the air: PSI
The Pollutant Standards Index, or PSI, is the number most people watch when the air looks hazy. In Singapore it is reported by region, so the app uses the part of the island nearest to you. Lower is better, and the colour of the band gives you the answer at a glance.
On a good or moderate day, carry on as normal. When the PSI climbs into the unhealthy band, it is sensible to shorten long, hard outdoor exercise, and to take extra care if you are older, pregnant, a young child or have a heart or lung condition. The Weather page also shows PM2.5, the fine particles that matter most on hazy days.
Check the sun: UV index
Singapore sits close to the equator, so the sun can be strong even when the sky is cloudy. The UV index is a quick way to see how strong it is right now. A higher number means you can burn faster.
From 6, add shade and sunglasses to your hat and sunscreen. From 8, which counts as very high, try to keep long outdoor stretches for early morning or late afternoon. Reapply sunscreen if you are sweating or swimming.
Heat and storms
- Heat stress. The Weather page shows heat stress readings. On hot days, take breaks in the shade and drink water before you feel thirsty.
- Lightning. When there is lightning nearby, the page shows how far away it is and in which direction, so you can decide whether to wait it out.
- 24 hour outlook. The outlook is split into parts of the day, so you can pick the cooler or drier slot.
Get alerts instead of checking
You do not have to remember to look. PantauSivik can tell you when something changes.
- Open Settings in the app.
- Switch on the Environment alert.
- You will now hear when air quality gets worse or improves, and when the UV index reaches 8.
- Tap an alert and it opens the Weather page, so you can see the details.
A simple routine before you head out
- Look at PSI if the sky looks hazy.
- Look at UV if you will be out for more than a short walk.
- Check lightning and the outlook on stormy days.
- Pack water, a hat and sunscreen. Choose shade where you can.
Want the full tour of the page? Read our guide: How to read weather, PSI, UV and heat stress in Singapore.
Weather, air quality and UV information comes from public National Environment Agency sources and is there to help you plan. For health advice, follow guidance from the relevant authorities. PantauSivik is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.
Common questions
What should I do when the PSI is in the unhealthy band?
It is sensible to shorten long, hard outdoor exercise, and to take extra care if you are older, pregnant, a young child or have a heart or lung condition. The Weather page also shows PM2.5, the fine particles that matter most on hazy days.
At what UV index should I take extra care?
From a UV index of 6, add shade and sunglasses to your hat and sunscreen. From 8, which counts as very high, try to keep long outdoor stretches for early morning or late afternoon. PantauSivik sends an alert when the UV index reaches 8.
How do I get haze and UV alerts in PantauSivik?
Open Settings and switch on the Environment alert. You will hear when air quality gets worse or improves, and when the UV index reaches 8. Tap an alert to open the Weather page.
What else does the Weather page show on hot or stormy days?
Heat stress readings, lightning with how far away it is and in which direction, and a 24 hour outlook split into parts of the day so you can pick the cooler or drier slot.
See also: Does rain clear the haze?.
