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Some dry and warm days with daily max temp reaching a high of around 35°C can still be expected. While more showers are forecast in the 2^nd half of Mar 2019, well-below normal rainfall likely for the month.

Singapore, 15 March 2019 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions with low level winds blowing from the northeast or northwest are forecast to persist for the rest of March 2019. Around the end of the month, the low level winds are expected to weaken and become light and variable in direction, signalling the start of the inter-monsoon period in early April 2019.

2         The warm conditions that have prevailed over Singapore in the first fortnight of March 2019 are forecast to persist for another week. Some relief from the scorching heat can be expected in the last week of the month when the monsoon rain band shifts northward to lie over Singapore and the surrounding equatorial region. This will bring localised short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers on most days in the afternoon. On a few days that week, the thundery showers could extend into the evening. In addition, on one or two mornings in the last week of the month, widespread thundery showers with occasional gusty winds from Sumatra squalls can be expected. While more rainfall is expected in the second fortnight, the total rainfall for March 2019 is still likely to be well-below normal. This follows two previous months of significantly below normal rainfall in January and February 2019.

3         The second half of March 2019 is expected to be warm on most days, with the daily temperature ranging between 24°C and 34°C. On days when there is little or no rainfall, the daily maximum temperature could rise to around 35°C.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 14 March 2019)

5         In the first half of March 2019, Northeast Monson conditions prevailed, and most of Southeast Asia including Singapore experienced dry and warm conditions except for areas south of the Equator. Over Singapore and the surrounding region, the low level winds were blowing from the northwest or northeast.

6         It was drier and warmer than usual in Singapore in the first fortnight of March 2019 due to a mass of dry air from the Pacific Ocean that extended over the Southeast Asia region. On all days during the period, except on 6 March 2019, the daily maximum temperature recorded was at least 34°C. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.7°C was recorded on 9 March 2019 at Choa Chu Kang, and the lowest daily minimum temperature was 21.5°C on 11 March 2019 at Admiralty.

7         While the first fortnight of the month was mostly warm and dry, there were some days where thundery showers fell over parts of island, and this brought a welcome relief from the prevailing warm conditions. On 11 March 2019, heavy thundery showers fell over many areas in the afternoon, arising from strong solar heating of land areas coupled with a brief return of the monsoon rain band over the equatorial region. The highest daily total rainfall of 94.6 mm recorded at Lim Chu Kang on that day is also the highest recorded for the year so far (as at 14 March 2019).

8        Singapore received well-below normal rainfall in the first half of March 2019. The highest rainfall of 92.2mm (4% below average) was recorded at Ang Mo Kio. Rainfall was lowest at Sentosa where 1.0mm (99% below average) was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for March
(Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)

Historical Extremes for March
(Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)

Expect dry and warm weather on most days in 1^st half of March 2019, and short-duration thundery showers on some days. Warm temperatures reaching a high of 35°C on a few days with little or no rain. On most days, daily temperature between 24°C and 34°C.

Singapore, 1 March 2019 – The prevailing dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon season over Singapore and the surrounding region is expected to continue into the first fortnight of March 2019. During the fortnight, the low level winds are forecast to continue blowing from the northwest or northeast.

2         The prevailing dry and stable air mass over Singapore and the surrounding region since mid-February 2019 is forecast to persist into the first half of March 2019. This will continue to bring dry and warm weather on most days over the next two weeks. Some brief respite can be expected towards the second week of March 2019 with a weakening of the low level winds over the region. This could bring about four to five days of short-duration thundery showers in the afternoon. Overall, the rainfall for the first fortnight of March 2019 likely to be below-normal.

3         In the first half of March 2019, with dry conditions and strong solar heating of land areas during the day, Singapore could experience warmer temperatures compared to the last fortnight in February 2019. The daily maximum temperature could reach as high as 35°C on a few days. On most days, the daily temperature is forecast to range between 24°C and 34°C.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 28 February 2019)

5         In February 2019, generally dry and warm conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region, and the low level winds were blowing from the north or northeast.

6         During the month, Singapore experienced dry, warm and occasionally windy weather on most days. For a brief period in the second half of February 2019, a weakening of the northeasterly winds, with a temporary northward shift of the monsoon rain band to the equatorial region coupled with strong solar heating of land areas brought short-duration thundery showers in the afternoon on a few days. The thundery showers that fell over many areas in the afternoon of 19 February 2019 recorded a daily total rainfall of 69.3 mm at Woodlands. This is the highest daily total rainfall recorded for February 2019.

7         February 2019 was a significantly warm month. The daily maximum temperature during the month ranged between 33.0°C and 35.5°C. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.5°C was recorded at Choa Chu Kang on 9 February 2019. On most days in the month, the daily minimum temperature was between 23°C and 26.1°C. The lowest daily minimum temperature in February 2019 was 21.4°C, recorded on 18 February 2019 at Admiralty.  This low temperature was due to the passage of a Sumatra squall that brought showers over the island in the predawn and early morning, and some respite to the warm conditions that were felt in the days before.

8         At the climate station in Changi, the mean monthly temperature for February 2019 was 28.2°C, 1.1⁰C warmer than the long-term average for February. This makes February 2019 the third warmest February since temperature records began in 1929, after February 1998 and 2010 (28.9°C) and February 2005 (28.5°C).

9        Singapore received significantly below-normal rainfall in February 2019. The highest rainfall of 114.2mm (18% below average) was recorded at Admiralty. Rainfall was lowest at Queenstown where 20.2mm (85% below average) was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for March
(Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)

Historical Extremes for March
(Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)

For most days in the rest of Feb 2019, dry and warm weather are expected. Some showers expected in the early part of the second fortnight of Feb 2019.  Daily max temperature could rise to around 34°C on some days

Singapore, 15 February 2019 – The prevailing dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon season over Singapore and the surrounding region is expected to extend into the second half of February 2019. During the period, the low level winds are forecast to weaken and blow from the north or northeast.

2       In the second half of February 2019, the dry and warm weather experienced over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first fortnight of the month are forecast to persist. This is due to stable atmospheric conditions arising from the presence of a dry air mass over the Southeast Asia region. In the early part of the second fortnight, localized short-duration thundery showers can still be expected in the afternoon on some days due to strong daytime heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. The showers could extend into the evening on one or two of these days. Overall, the rainfall for February 2019 is likely to be well-below normal.

3       With dry and warm conditions expected for the rest of the month, the daily maximum temperature could rise to around 34°C especially on days with little or no rain and when winds are light. On most days, the daily temperatures are forecast to range between 24°C and 33°C.

4       For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 14 February 2019)

5       In the first fortnight of February 2019, Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over the Southeast Asia region, including Singapore. During the fortnight, the low level winds over Singapore and the surrounding region were blowing from the north or northeast. In addition, the monsoon rain band was located south of the Equator, and stable atmospheric conditions prevailed over Singapore and surrounding region.

6       Dry and warm weather with occasionally windy conditions prevailed on most days in the first half of February 2019. There were some days where short-duration thundery showers fell over areas in the western half of the island in the late afternoon and on a few days extending into the evening. The thundery showers during the period were not particularly heavy, and the highest total rainfall of 42.4 mm in a day was recorded at Jurong on 4 February 2019. The eastern half of the island was generally dry, and at the climate station in Changi, only 0.2mm of rain was recorded during the first half of the month.

7       The few days around the Lunar New Year holiday period were dry and warm with daily maximum temperatures reaching around 34.3°C at a few stations across the island. The dry and warm weather continued for the rest of the first half of February 2019. The daily maximum temperature recorded during the first fortnight of February 2019 ranged between 33.6°C and 34.8°C. The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.8^°C was recorded on 9 February 2019 at Admiralty. The daily minimum temperature recorded in the fortnight ranged between 22.2°C and 24.7°C. The lowest daily minimum of 22.2°C was recorded between the early and predawn hours of 12 February 2019 at Choa Chu Kang.

8       Singapore received significantly below-normal rainfall in the first half of February 2019. The highest rainfall of 56.8mm (21% below average) was recorded at Jurong. Rainfall was lowest at Changi where 0.2mm (100% below average) was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for February
(Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)

Historical Extremes for February
(Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)

Expect dry and warm weather for the Lunar New Year holiday period. Short-duration thundery showers are expected in the afternoon on 4 – 6 days. On some days, daily max temperatures could reach a high of around 34^oC.

Singapore, 1 February 2019 – In the first fortnight of February 2019, the prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are forecast to persist, with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the north or northeast.  Compared to the occasional breezy conditions experienced in January 2019 where mean wind speeds were between 15 km/h and 30 km/h, the low level north or northeasterly winds in the first fortnight of February 2019 are forecast to be weaker, with mean speeds of up to 20 km/h.

2       The dry weather experienced in the last fortnight of January 2019 is expected to continue into the first fortnight of February 2019. During this fortnight, localised short-duration thundery showers due to strong day-time heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds, can still be expected in the afternoon on four to six days. The rainfall for the first fortnight of February 2019 is expected to be near-normal. Climatologically. February is the driest month of the year.

3       In the first half of February 2019, warm conditions can be expected during the day time on some days due to light winds, few clouds and solar heating of land areas. The daily temperatures are forecast to range between 24^oC and 33^oC on most days, and on days when there is little or no rainfall, the daily maximum temperature could rise to a high of around 34^oC.

4       For the Lunar New Year holiday period, fair and warm conditions are expected, and the daily temperature is forecast to range between 24^oC and 34^oC.

5       For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 31 January 2019)

6       Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed in January 2019. During the month, the low level winds over Singapore and the surrounding region were blowing mostly from the northeast or northwest. On a few days in early January 2019, there was a shift in the winds to blow from the west under the influence of Tropical Storm “Pabuk” that was brewing over the northern part of the South China Sea.

7       January 2019 was a relatively windy and dry month. In the early part of the month, it was also warm. The warm weather can be attributed to strong solar heating and low rainfall due to stable atmospheric conditions over our region under the influence of Tropical Storm “Pabuk”.

8       Climatologically, January is a wet and cool month. While most of the showers in January 2019 fell around the middle of the month, the rain that fell over Singapore in January 2019 was significantly below the climatological average. In the second week of January 2019, the thundery showers fell mainly over the western half of the island, and the eastern half was generally dry. In the third week of the month, a surge of strong monsoon winds over the South China Sea resulted in a convergence of winds over the equatorial region, which formed part of the monsoon rain band This brought cloudy conditions and occasional showers on a few days over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. In particular, the surge brought cool and cloudy conditions and a few spells of showers to Singapore between the night of 17 January 2019 and the morning of 18 January 2019. A shift of the monsoon rain band to areas further south of the equator brought a return of dry weather over Singapore till the end of the month. The highest daily total rainfall recorded in January 2019 was 71.8mm at Thomson on 12 January 2019.

9       The first half of January 2019 was warmer than the second half of the month. While it was windy throughout the month, the stronger winds in the second half of January 2019 brought some respite to the warm conditions experienced earlier in the month. In the first fortnight of January 2019, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 33.1^oC and 34.8^oC compared to that in the second half of the month which was between 29.2^oC and 32.9^oC. The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.8^oC was recorded at Choa Chu Kang on 12 January 2019. The lowest daily maximum and minimum temperatures of 29.2^oC and 22.5^oC respectively were recorded at Choa Chu Kang on 18 January 2019.

10       At the climate station in Changi, the mean monthly temperature for January 2019 was 28.0°C, 1.5°C above the long-term average. This makes January 2019 the second warmest January since 1929, 0.1°C below the record set in January 2016. The daily maximum temperature of 33.4^oC was recorded on 1 January 2019, which is the third highest daily maximum temperature recorded at the climate station in the last 10 years (2009 – 2018). The monthly total rainfall of 63.6 mm recorded in January 2019 is the fourth driest January in the last 30 years. The top three record lowest monthly total rainfall for January (in the last 30 years) are 15.4 mm (1997), 38.3 mm (2009) and 56.9mm (1994).

11       Singapore received significantly below-normal rainfall in January 2019. The highest rainfall of 151.8mm (35% below average) was recorded at MacRitchie. Rainfall was lowest at Tai Seng where 55.8mm (76% below average) was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY
(Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)

Occasionally windy with some warm days in fortnight and short-duration thundery showers on 4-6 days. In addition, expect periods of showers, heavy at times on 1 or 2 days in 1^st week, and passing showers on a few days in the latter half of fortnight.

Singapore, 16 January 2019 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon season is forecast to continue for the rest of January 2019.  In the second half of the month, the low level winds are forecast to blow from the north or northeast.

2         In the second fortnight of January 2019, occasionally windy conditions can be expected on most days during the period. In addition, solar heating of land areas could give rise to short-duration thundery showers, mostly in the afternoon on four to six days. On one or two days in the first week of the fortnight, a monsoon surge over the South China Sea is expected to bring periods of showers over Singapore and the surrounding region. In the latter half of the fortnight, the monsoon rain band currently located just north of the Equator is forecast to shift south, over the Java Sea region. With most of the convective activity expected over areas south of the Equator, Singapore can expect passing showers, mostly during the daytime on a few days. Overall, the rainfall for January 2019 is likely to be well below-normal.

3         On most days in the second half of January 2019, the daily temperatures are forecast to range between 24°C and 33°C. Warmer daily maximum temperatures of around 34^oC can be expected on days when there is little or no rainfall.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 15 January 2019)

5         Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first half of January 2019. On most days during this period, the low level winds were blowing from the northeast or northwest.

6         On several days in the first week of the fortnight, it was dry and occasionally windy over Singapore and the low level northeast or northwest winds shifted to blow from the west. These conditions were due to the presence of Tropical Storm “Pabuk” over the northern part of the South China Sea which eventually weakened after it made landfall over southern Thailand on 4 January 2019. In the second week of 2019, it was generally wet as thundery showers fell over the island in the afternoon on most days of the week. The highest daily total rainfall of 71.8 mm was recorded on 12 January 2019 at Upper Thomson, when heavy thundery showers fell over the western half of the island between the late afternoon and evening.

7         The unseasonal warm conditions in the later part of December 2018 continued into the first fortnight of January 2019, where several warm days were experienced. The two highest daily maximum temperatures recorded in the fortnight were 34.8^oC at Choa Chu Kang on 12 January 2019, and 34.5^oC at Marina South on New Year’s Day respectively. In the first half of January 2019, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 32.5^oC and 34.8^oC, and the daily minimum temperature ranged between 23.1^oC and 25.2^oC.

8        Singapore received well below normal rainfall in the first fortnight of January 2019. The highest rainfall of 90.8 mm (15% below average) was recorded at Upper Thomson. Rainfall was lowest at Changi where 6.4 mm (95% below average) was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS FOR JANUARY (Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)

Expect warm and occasionally windy conditions with passing showers on 3 – 4 days as we step into the first week of the new year. Warm and windy weather likely to ease with more showers expected towards the end of the 1st week of Jan 2019.

Singapore, 31 December 2018 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon in the region is expected to persist into January 2019 with the high pressure system over the northern Asian continent strengthening over the next few days. The low level winds are forecast to blow mainly from the northwest in the first week before shifting to blow from the northeast towards the second week of January 2019.

2         In the first fortnight of January 2019, Singapore is expected to experience short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers mainly in the afternoon on six to eight days. In the first week of the month, a tropical storm is forecast to move into the South China Sea and bring a strengthening of northwesterly to northerly winds over Singapore and the surrounding region. Coupled with slightly drier atmospheric conditions, warm and occasionally windy conditions with passing showers can be expected on three to four days that week.

3         The daily temperatures in the first fortnight of January 2019 are expected to range between 24°C and 33°C on most days. On days when there is little or no rainfall, warm conditions with maximum temperatures of around 34°C can be expected.

4         The warm and windy weather is likely to ease with more showers expected towards the end of the first week of January 2019. Overall, rainfall for the first fortnight of January 2019 is forecast to be near-normal.

5          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 30 December 2018)

6          Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed in December 2018, with low level winds blowing mainly from the north or northeast in the first three weeks of the month. Under the influence of a low pressure system in the South China Sea in the last week of December 2018, the low level winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity turned to blow from the west.

7         Singapore and the surrounding region experienced wet weather conditions in the first three weeks of the month due to the close proximity of the monsoon rain band to the equatorial South China Sea region. Thundery showers fell over many parts of the island in the afternoon on most days during this period, occasionally stretching into the evening. The highest daily total rainfall of 97.3 mm was recorded on 20 December 2018 at Yio Chu Kang. The intense thunderstorms, which developed due to strong solar heating, brought gusty winds that felled two trees at Sembawang Park. A maximum wind gust of 63.0 km/h was recorded at Seletar on that day. In addition, a waterspout developed from intense thunderstorms over the sea areas southeast of East Coast Park, which was sighted from various locations in Singapore in the late afternoon.

8        The last week of December 2018 saw a change in winds to blow more from the west and showers affected mainly the western and southern parts of Singapore on a few mornings. A Sumatra squall affected Singapore in the early hours and predawn hours on 26 December 2018, bringing thundery showers and gusty winds to parts of the island. The strongest wind gust of 77.4 km/h was recorded at Pasir Panjang on that day. In the last week of 2018, Singapore experienced drier and warmer conditions due to strong solar heating and low rainfall under the stable atmospheric conditions over our region, arising from a low pressure system in the South China Sea that drew some rainclouds away from our region.

9          During the month, Singapore’s daily maximum temperature ranged between 32.5°C and 34.0°C.  The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.7°C was recorded on 23 December 2018 in the Newton area. The daily minimum temperature mainly ranged between 23.0°C and 24.5°C. At the Changi climate station, the mean monthly temperature for December 2018 (as of 30 December) is 27.6°C. This is 1.2°C higher than the long term average temperature of 26.4 deg C for December, and slightly warmer than the December in the last two years.

10         About two thirds of the island received below normal rainfall in December 2018. The lowest rainfall of 126.2mm (58% below average) was recorded in the Pasir Ris area. Rainfall was highest around the Jurong area where 357.4mm (33% above average) was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER (Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)

Northeast Monsoon conditions with prevailing northeast winds have set in over S’pore. In next fortnight, expect 7-9 days of afternoon thundery showers, and 1-2 days to be cloudy and occasionally windy with widespread rain due to monsoon surge.

Singapore, 30 November 2018 – The Northeast Monsoon season has set in over Singapore and the surrounding region, and is expected to prevail till March 2019. During the season, the prevailing winds over the region are expected to blow mainly from the northeast or northwest.

2         For the next two months, the Northeast Monsoon will be in its wet phase where the monsoon rain band typically lies over the equatorial South China Sea. Over Singapore and the surrounding region, it is likely to be wet with more occurrences of short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers in the afternoon. On some days during the season, a surge of strong northeasterly winds blowing southward over the South China Sea could bring occasionally windy conditions with frequent spells of widespread rain showers over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. This strengthening of northeasterly winds over the South China Sea, known as a monsoon surge, can last for between two and five days, and also bring cooler temperatures to Singapore. Between two and four monsoon surge events can be expected during the wet phase of the Northeast Monsoon season.

3         The weather in the first fortnight of December 2018 is expected be wet. On seven to nine days in the fortnight, thundery showers occurring mostly in the afternoon can be expected. On a few of these days, the showers could extend into the evening. A monsoon surge is forecast towards the end of the fortnight. This could bring cloudy and occasionally windy conditions with periods of moderate rain, heavy at times, over Singapore and the surrounding region for one or two days. The prevailing winds are also expected to shift to temporarily blow from the west on one to two days during the fortnight. This could bring thundery showers over the island in the morning from a Sumatra squall. For the first half of December 2018, rainfall is forecast to be above normal.

4         In the first half of December 2018, the daily temperature on most days is expected to range between 24°C and 32°C.  There could be a few days during the period where cooler temperatures are expected and the daily minimum temperature recorded could reach a low of between 22°C and 23°C.

5          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 29 November 2018)

6         Singapore experienced relatively wet conditions in November 2018. Thundery showers fell over the island on most days of the month.

7         The prevailing winds in November 2018 were mostly light and variable in direction until the end of the month where there was a change in the winds to blow more from the northeast. This change in wind direction in the last week of November 2018 signalled the cessation of the inter-monsoon period and the start of the Northeast Monsoon season.

8       In the first half of November 2018, the light wind conditions coupled with strong solar heating of land areas were conducive for the development of thunderstorm clouds. This brought intense thundery showers in the afternoon over Singapore. In the second half of the month, the prevailing winds blew from the southwest or west for several days, feeding into a low pressure system north of Singapore in the South China Sea. On several days, the thundery showers over Singapore between the early hours and morning were due to Sumatra squalls moving from the Strait of Malacca over the island.

9       The highest daily total rainfall recorded in November 2018 was 110.8mm at Tuas on 21 November 2018. The heavy rainfall that day was caused by an intense Sumatra squall that brought widespread thundery showers accompanied gusty winds over the island. The strongest gust recorded that day was 73.8 km/h at Pasir Panjang. The second highest daily total rainfall of 104.5mm was recorded at Holland Road on 11 November 2018.

10       In November 2018, the daily maximum temperature on most days ranged between 32°C and 34°C. The highest daily maximum temperature recorded was 34.8°C on 28 November 2018 at Clementi. The daily minimum temperature on most days ranged between 23°C and 24°C, and the lowest minimum temperature recorded in the month was 21.4°C on 17 November 2018 at Jurong West.

11       Many parts of Singapore received well above average rainfall in November 2018. The highest rainfall of 433.8 mm (80% above average) was recorded at Jurong, and the lowest rainfall of 162 mm (35% below the average) was recorded at Changi.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER (Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)

Northeast Monsoon conditions to set in towards end Nov’18 and last till Mar’19. Expect the second half of November to be less wet than first, with thundery showers on 5–7 days in afternoon and Sumatra squalls with gusty winds on 3 or 4 mornings.

Singapore, 16 November 2018 –  Inter-monsoon conditions with winds that are light and variable in direction have been prevailing over Singapore and the surrounding region since late October 2018. In the second half of November 2018, the inter-monsoon conditions are forecast to persist, and a gradual strengthening and shift in the wind direction to blow from the northeast or northwest are expected towards the end of the month. This change in the monsoonal winds signals the start of the Northeast Monsoon season, and is expected to extend into March 2019.

2         The second half of November 2018 is expected to be less wet than the first half of the month. For the rest of November 2018, localised short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers are expected mostly in the afternoon on five to seven days, with the showers extending into the evening on a few of these days. These showers are due to the favourable light wind conditions coupled with strong solar heating of the land areas during the day. On three or four days where the winds are forecast to blow from the southwest or west, the passage of Sumatra squalls moving across Singapore from the Strait of Malacca is expected to bring widespread thundery showers accompanied with gusty winds in the morning. Overall, the rainfall for November 2018 is likely to be above normal.

3         In the second half of November 2018, the daily temperature on most days is expected to range between 24°C and 33°C.  There could be a few warm days during this period where the daily maximum temperature could reach a high of around 34°C.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit our MSS website (https://www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app, or the MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW (1 – 15 November 2018)

5         In the first fortnight of November 2018, inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore, and the monsoon rain band was located over the equatorial South China Sea region.

6         With winds that were light and variable in direction and ample solar heating of land areas, Singapore experienced moderate to heavy thundery showers in the afternoon on many days. On a few of these days, the thundery showers continued into the night.  On 10 and 11 November 2018, flash floods were reported over several parts of the island in the afternoon following a heavy downpour over many parts of the island. On 10 November 2018, the highest daily total rainfall recorded was 103.6 mm at Bukit Panjang. This was exceeded on 11 November when the Holland Road area recorded a daily total rainfall of 104.5mm.  The heavy downpour was as a result of localized sea breeze convergence and strong solar heating over land areas during the day.

7        In the first half of November 2018, despite the wet conditions, there were a few warm days where the daily maximum temperature was above 34°C. On most days, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 32°C and 34°C. The highest daily maximum temperature recorded was 34.5°C, recorded on 4 November 2018 at Clementi. The daily minimum temperate on most days ranged between 23°C and 24°C, and the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded in the first half of the month was 22.7°C on 11 November 2018 (at Jurong West and Newton).

8       About three quarters of Singapore received well above average rainfall in the first half of November 2018. The highest rainfall of 309.6 mm (140% above average) was recorded at Bukit Panjang, and the lowest rainfall of 57.2mm (56% below the average) was recorded at Changi.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER (Climatological reference period: 1981 – 2010)