Batam, SEAJori – Air quality in Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri) reaches to unhealthy levels on Wednesday (7/10/2026) as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations spiked, surrounding the city in haze and prompting meteorological authorities to issue health and visibility warnings.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Class I Hang Nadim Batam recorded PM2.5 concentrations at 77.7 micrograms per cubic meter placing the air quality in the yellow “unhealthy” bracket.
Visible smog shrouded areas from Batam Center to Bengkong, and also Nongsa and Sagulung casting a hazy veil across major thoroughfares, including Ahmad Yani and Engku Putri and also Batuampar streets.
“Be aware of the potential spread of forest and land fire smoke throughout the Riau Islands, which could disrupt visibility and breathing,” BMKG’s Forecaster Suratman in his statement this morning.
He told that low atmospheric humidity across the Riau Islands has restricted rain cloud formation, allowing smoke from regional forest and land fires (karhutla) to accumulate.
While morning skies remain predominantly cloudy with temperatures ranging between 24 and 34 degrees Celsius, BMKG warned that reduced air quality poses heightened respiratory risks for those engaging in outdoor activities.
Despite the localized air degradation, maritime conditions in the Riau Islands feature low wave heights that remain favorable for shipping, though authorities advised coastal operators and fishermen to monitor sudden weather changes.
BMKG also urged residents to wear protective masks outdoors and warned of localized severe weather in Natuna Regency, where moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong winds is expected midday. (*)
