Did you know? KL switched to 'HD mode' today, here's why the sky suddenly cleared
KL's skies cleared and Threads users went wild. Today's API readings, why the haze suddenly lifted, and whether the blue skies will last.
In this article
If you stepped outside today and felt like KL had just switched to "HD mode", you're not alone. On 25 October 2026, the sky over Kuala Lumpur turned blue again, the Petronas Twin Towers looked razor-sharp, and the hills on the horizon were back in view.
Over on Threads, people were surprised, relieved and grateful. So why did the sky suddenly clear, and will it stay this way?
What Threads users said
Bernama and The Star rounded up some of the reactions going around on Threads:
- @tkletchumy said her young child noticed the haze was gone first, before she saw what she called the clearest KL sky in a while from her balcony.
- @wawerlah was delighted to see Genting Highlands clearly again: "It's been a long time since we've seen it like this."
- @zevtam claimed KL's air quality that morning was better than New Zealand's.
- @kinsyahir was relieved to finally get back to outdoor activities after more than three months of living with the haze.
(Quotes as reported by Bernama and The Star, 25 Oct 2026.)
What were today's API readings?
According to the Department of Environment's APIMS portal, at 7pm two Kuala Lumpur stations were in the moderate range:
| Station | API | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Batu Muda | 84 | Moderate |
| Cheras | 66 | Moderate |
Earlier in the afternoon, the IQAir app showed US AQI 27 (good) at one location in KL at 3pm, with PM2.5 at just 4.9 µg/m³.
Did you know? Malaysia's API (IPU) and the US AQI used by apps like IQAir run on different scales, so the numbers can't be compared directly. On the API scale: 0-50 is good, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy.
Why did the sky suddenly clear?
Short answer: the wind changed direction.
On 6 October, MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the monsoon transition phase was expected to start on 9 October and run until the end of the month. It marks the end of the Southwest Monsoon, which began on 14 May.
During the Southwest Monsoon, winds tend to carry smoke from fires in neighbouring countries our way. Once the monsoon ends and the wind shifts, cross-border haze is expected to ease. On 13 October, MetMalaysia expected the change in winds to reduce the haze within about two weeks. Today, we're seeing the result.
Not everywhere is clear yet
Don't ditch the mask just yet. On the same day, Kosmo reported that several areas still recorded unhealthy readings, mainly in Sarawak (Serian 193, Kuching 188) and Johor (Batu Pahat and Pasir Gudang 157). Nilai and Seremban were at 152.
MetMalaysia has also warned that the monsoon transition can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in the afternoon and early evening, with risks of flash floods and fallen trees. Check the myCuaca app and the latest API readings before heading out.
Curious why haze isn't just a lung problem? Read our piece on how air pollution is linked to a higher glaucoma risk.
Enjoy it while it lasts
Days like this are too good to spend indoors. Snap a photo, go for a run, or just open the windows. Did you manage to catch KL in "HD mode" today?
Sources
- BERNAMA, Langit Kuala Lumpur Kembali Cerah, Warga Maya Luah Rasa Syukur Dan Keterujaan (25 Oct 2026)
- The Star, Haze: Clearer skies over Kuala Lumpur spark relief, excitement (25 Oct 2026)
- Kosmo, Ramai orang KL terkejut tengok langit cerah (25 Oct 2026)
- RTM News, Jerebu dijangka beransur pulih susulan peralihan monsun (6 Oct 2026)
- Utusan Malaysia, Perubahan angin dijangka bantu kurangkan jerebu (13 Oct 2026)
