Singapore has emerged as one of the world's most polluted cities as smoke from fires in neighbouring Indonesia blankets the city-state in thick haze, raising concerns ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix weekend. The deteriorating air quality has affected visibility and prompted questions about the safety of outdoor activities planned during one of Singapore's biggest international sporting events. The haze comes as the financial hub prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the race and associated entertainment programmes.

According to CNN, citing Swiss air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Singapore's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 216 on Friday morning, placing it in the very unhealthy category. The city-state topped IQAir's global ranking of the most polluted cities during the week, while Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, ranked second. The thick pollution has obscured Singapore's iconic skyline, leaving landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and surrounding skyscrapers barely visible. The worsening conditions have raised concerns about potential health risks for residents and visitors spending extended periods outdoors.

The haze is primarily linked to seasonal fires in Indonesia, where peatlands are cleared and drained for commercial plantations, including those producing palm oil. These activities contribute to recurring air pollution across Southeast Asia, particularly during Indonesia's dry season. Singapore's National Environment Agency reported on Thursday that moderate to dense smoke plumes from southern and central Sumatra, as well as West Kalimantan, were drifting towards the city-state. The agency warned that the haze could persist under prevailing southeasterly or southerly winds, according to CNN.

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The pollution has also affected neighbouring Malaysia, where the education ministry ordered school closures in several states as air quality deteriorated. Concerns have grown over the impact of the haze on Singapore's Formula One weekend, which features the high-profile night race and performances by international artists, including Janet Jackson and The Killers. The sport's governing body, the FIA, indicated on Thursday that entertainment events could potentially be affected, although the race itself was not expected to face disruption. Race organiser Singapore GP told CNN on Friday that there were no plans at that time to modify the scheduled entertainment activities.

Singapore has experienced similar haze episodes during previous Formula One races, including in 2015 and 2019. The Singapore Tourism Board said contingency plans were in place and that responses would depend on the severity of the pollution. Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas, who cycled more than 400 kilometres from Malaysia to Singapore earlier in the week, told Reuters that conditions were not yet particularly extreme, although he acknowledged the poor air quality. Meanwhile, concerns about a potentially strong El Niño have raised fears that hotter and drier conditions could intensify fires in Indonesia and prolong haze across the region, adding uncertainty to the outlook for outdoor events.

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