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Singapore, 31 May 2019 – In the first fortnight of June 2019, the prevailing light and variable winds over Singapore and the surrounding region are forecast to strengthen and blow from the southeast or southwest. This signals the end of the inter-monsoon period and the start of the Southwest Monsoon season. The Southwest Monsoon season typically extends into September and is a generally drier season compared to other times of the year.

2          The weather in the first fortnight of June 2019 is forecast to be just as wet as it was in the last fortnight of May 2019. With strong day-time heating of land areas, thundery showers are expected mostly in the late morning and early afternoon on six to eight days. On two to three days in the coming fortnight, Sumatra squalls moving from the Strait of Malacca to the South China Sea could track over Singapore and bring widespread thundery showers and occasional gusty winds in the morning. The overall rainfall for the first half of June 2019 is likely to be above-normal over most parts of Singapore.

3          The warm and humid conditions in May 2019 are forecast to persist into the first fortnight of June 2019. With the setting in of the Southwest Monsoon season, more warm and humid nights can be expected; warm nights typically occur when the prevailing winds blow from the southeast and brings warm, humid air from the sea over the land. The daily temperature on most days is forecast to range between 25°C and 33°C. Night-time minimum temperatures of up to 28°C can be expected on some days.

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 – 30 May 2019)

5          Inter-monsoon conditions prevailed in Singapore and the surrounding region in May 2019. During this period, the low level prevailing winds were generally light and variable in direction, and on occasions, blew from the east or southeast.

6          In May 2019, thundery showers due to convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity, fell in the late morning and afternoon on most days. On several days, particularly in the second week of the month, the passage of Sumatra squalls brought widespread thundery showers to Singapore between the predawn and early morning. The thundery showers were heaviest on 16 May 2019 where the highest daily rainfall total recorded was 119.8mm at Jurong Pier. A waterspout, associated with an intense Sumatra squall, was sighted over the sea area south of Tanjong Pagar on 11 May 2019.

7          May is climatologically one of the warmest months of the year. In May 2019, the highest daily maximum temperature across the island was at least 34°C on more than half the number of days of the month. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.0°C was recorded at Paya Lebar and Clementi on 6 and 7 May 2019 respectively. The lowest daily minimum temperature of 20.8°C was recorded at East Coast Park around predawn when a squall moved over Singapore on 8 May 2019.

8          At the climate station in Changi, May 2019’s mean monthly temperature of 29.3°C (as of 30 May 2019) is on track to tie with that in May 1997 and 2016 as the second warmest May in Singapore since temperature records started in 1929. In addition, May 2019’s mean daily minimum temperature of 26.5°C is likely to tie the record high set in May 2003 and 2016.

9          Slightly less than half of Singapore received above-average rainfall in May 2019, with most of the rain falling over the southwestern part of Singapore. The highest rainfall of 366.8 mm (78% above average) was recorded at Jurong. Rainfall was lowest over the eastern part of Singapore at Changi where 68.6 mm (56% below average) of rain was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

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

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

Singapore, 16 May 2019 – Inter-monsoon conditions that started in late March 2019 are expected to continue for the rest of May 2019. During this period, the low level winds are forecast to blow from the south or southeast.

2          In the second fortnight of May 2019, short-duration thundery showers are expected mostly between the late morning and early afternoon on six to eight days. On two to three days in particular in the first week of the coming fortnight, the occurrence of Sumatra squalls is forecast to bring widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds between the predawn and morning. Overall, the rainfall for May 2019 is likely to be above-normal for many parts of Singapore.

3          The warm and humid conditions experienced during the first half of May 2019 are forecast to continue for the rest of May 2019.  The daily temperature on most days is expected to range between 26°C and 34°C, and on days with little or no rainfall, the daily maximum temperature could reach 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 – 15 May 2019)

5          Inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first half of May 2019. The low level winds during the period were generally weak and variable in direction.

6          During the fortnight, the presence of the monsoon rain band near the equatorial region brought short-duration thundery showers over the island, mostly between the morning and early afternoon.  On a few of these days, the stormy weather was a result of the eastward passage of Sumatra squalls which brought widespread thunderstorms and gusty winds over Singapore between the predawn hours and morning. As a result of strong convergence of air streams in the region, two consecutive Sumatra squalls moved across Singapore on 8 May 2019 – one during the early hours and predawn, and another in the late morning. On that day, the highest daily total rainfall of 109.8 mm was recorded at Jurong West. Sumatra squalls moved across the island again on 10 and 11 May 2019. Gusty winds with speed up to 90km/h was recorded at Pasir Panjang on 10 May 2019, and a large waterspout was sighted over the sea area south of Tanjong Pagar on 11 May 2019.

7          Despite the wet weather in the first fortnight of May 2019, most days recorded maximum temperatures of 34.0°C or more. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.0°C was recorded at Paya Lebar and Clementi on 6 and 7 May 2019 respectively. The lowest daily minimum temperature of 20.8°C was recorded at East Coast Park around predawn when the squall moved over Singapore on the 8 May 2019.

8          More than three quarters of Singapore received above average rainfall in the first fortnight of May 2019. Rainfall was lowest over the eastern part of Singapore at Changi where 40.2 mm (49% below average) of rain was recorded. The highest rainfall of 194.4 mm (89% above average) was recorded at Jurong.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

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

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

Inter-monsoon conditions to persist in the next fortnight. Expect mostly short-duration afternoon thundery showers & 3-5 mornings of widespread showers with gusty winds. Expect warm conditions with daily max temperatures of 34°C or more.

Singapore, 30 April 2019 – Inter-monsoon conditions have been prevailing since late March 2019 and are forecast to continue into May 2019. During this period, more occurrences of thundery showers can be expected over Singapore and the surrounding region, and the low level winds are forecast to be light and variable in direction. Climatologically, May has one of the highest number of lightning days in the year; May is also one of the warmest months of the year.

2         In the first half of May 2019, strong solar heating of land areas during the day are expected to bring short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers in the afternoon on four to six days. On a few of these days, the thundery showers could extend into the evening. In addition, on three or five days, particularly in the second week of the fortnight, Sumatra squalls could bring widespread thundery showers with gusty winds in the predawn and morning. Overall, the rainfall for the first half of May 2019 is likely to be near-normal over most parts of Singapore.

3         Warm conditions to continue into the fortnight. On most days, the daily temperature is forecast to range between 25°C and 34°C. On a few days, the heat can be sweltering as the daily maximum temperature could reach around the high end of the 35°C range 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 – 29 April 2019)

5         Inter-monsoon conditions with low level winds that were light and variable in direction prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in April 2019. During the month, the presence of the monsoon rain band over the equatorial region contributed to more thundery showers over Singapore and the surrounding region, compared to March 2019.

6         In April 2019, thundery showers fell over the island in the afternoon on most days, and extended into the evening on a few of these days. This was due to strong solar heating of land areas and light winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. The eastward passage of Sumatra squalls on a few days brought widespread moderate to heavy thundery showers and gusty winds to Singapore in the predawn and early morning. In particular, on 26 April 2019, the Sumatra squall over Singapore between the late morning and afternoon recorded a daily total rainfall of 118.7mm at Changi. This was the highest rainfall recorded in a day in April 2019.

7         April 2019 was also particularly warm. More than half the month had daily maximum temperatures exceeding 34°C. The highest daily maximum temperature of 36.4°C was recorded at Paya Lebar on 17 April 2019. This is close to the highest ever recorded daily maximum temperature of 37°C (1983) for April since temperature records started in 1929.

8         More than two-thirds of Singapore received slightly below-normal rainfall in April 2019. Rainfall was lowest at Seletar where 143.2 mm (36% below average) of rain was recorded. The highest rainfall of 299.8 mm (53% above average) was recorded over the south-eastern part of the island at Tanjong Katong.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

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

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

Expect 6-8 days of short-duration thundery showers between late morning and afternoon and Sumatra squalls on 1-2 mornings. Warm conditions expected. Daily max temp could rise around 35°C on a few days.

Singapore, 16 April 2019 – The prevailing inter-monsoon conditions in Singapore and the surrounding region are expected to persist through May 2019.

2         During the inter-monsoon period, the low level winds are generally light and variable in direction. There is also strong solar heating of land areas, and coupled with convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity, short-duration thundery showers accompanied by high lightning activity typically occur in the afternoons.

3         In the second half of April 2019, moderate to heavy short-duration thundery showers are expected between the late morning and afternoon on six to eight days. In addition, on one or two days, the passage of Sumatra squalls could bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds in the morning. The rainfall for April 2019 is forecast to be near-normal.

4         Although thundery showers are expected on most days for the rest of April 2019, it is also expected to be warm. The daily temperature on most days is forecast to range between 25°C and 34°C. On a few afternoons, the daily maximum temperature could reach a high of 35°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 – 15 April 2019)

6         During the first half of April 2019, inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region. The low level winds were generally light and variable in direction, and the monsoon rain band was located over the equatorial region. This brought wet conditions over Singapore and the surrounding region, a welcome relief from the prolonged drier and hotter than usual conditions experienced on most days since late January 2019.

7         In the first half of April 2019, light winds and strong solar heating of land areas led to the development of thunderstorm clouds on most days. Intense short-duration thundery showers fell over many areas in the afternoon on some days. The thundery showers over the Tai Seng area in the late afternoon of 10 April 2019 recorded 71.4mm of rain. This was the highest total rainfall in a day for the first fortnight of April 2019.

8         On a few days in early April 2019, the winds blew from the southwest or west, and Sumatra squalls moved over Singapore in the predawn hours and early morning. This brought widespread thundery showers and gusty winds over many areas of the island. The wind gust of 75.6km/h at Pasir Panjang during the passage of a squall on 3 April 2019 was the highest recorded wind gust for April 2019 so far.

9         Despite the wet weather on most days in the first fortnight April 2019, there were several days that were very warm with the daily maximum temperature rising to above 35°C. During the period, the highest daily maximum temperature recorded was 36.0°C at Admiralty on 7 April 2019.  On most days, the daily temperature ranged between 24°C and 34°C.

10         More than two-thirds of the island received below-normal rainfall in the first fortnight of April 2019. The highest rainfall of 168.4 mm (67% above average) was recorded at Tanjong Katong. Rainfall was lowest at Choa Chu Kang where 52.6 mm (59% below average) was recorded.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

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

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

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)