Category Archives: News

April 16, 2019

Wet and Warm Conditions to Continue in the Second Half of April 2019

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.


Fortnightly Weather Outlook for 16 – 30 April 2019

 

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)

Average daily maximum temperature 32.3 °C
Average daily minimum temperature 25.0 °C
Average monthly temperature 28.0 °C
Average rainfall 154.8 mm
Average number of rain days 14

 

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

Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 33.9 °C (1983)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 23.1 °C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 454.9 mm (1900)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 16.6 mm (1977)

April 1, 2019

Inter-monsoon Conditions to Bring More Showers and Some Warm Days in the Next Fortnight

Expect more thundery showers as Inter-monsoon sets in. Expect afternoon thundery showers on 6-8 days and 2-3 days of morning showers. Warm conditions can still be expected with temperature reaching over 35°C on a few days


Fortnightly Weather Outlook for 1 – 15 April 2019

 

Singapore, 1 April 2019 – The dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon that has prevailed over the surrounding region since late January 2019 has ended with the onset of inter-monsoon conditions in end March 2019. The prevailing winds in the region are forecast to become light and variable in direction and are expected to persist through May 2019.

2          During the inter-monsoon period, the monsoon rain band lies near the equatorial region and more showers can be expected over Singapore and the surrounding region. Climatologically, April is the second warmest month of the year, with high lightning activity.

3          Compared to the last fortnight of March 2019, more rain days are expected in the first fortnight of April 2019. During this period, short-duration thundery showers are expected in the afternoon on six to eight days, and could last into the evening on some of these days. In addition, on two or three days in the fortnight, the eastward passage of Sumatra squalls from Sumatra or the Strait of Malacca could bring widespread thundery showers accompanied with gusty winds over Singapore in the morning. Overall, the rainfall for the first fortnight of April 2019 is likely to be near-normal.

4          Despite more rain days expected in the first half of April 2019, warm conditions are still expected to prevail. The daily maximum temperature could soar to over 35°C on a few days, and the daily temperature is expected to range between 25°C and 34°C on most days.  The strong daytime heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity are conducive for the development of thunderstorm clouds in the afternoon.

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 March 2019)

6          In March 2019, the dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region, and the low level winds blew from the northwest or northeast.

7          Singapore experienced drier and warmer than usual conditions in March 2019. This was partly due to the presence of a dry air mass that extended from the Pacific Ocean to parts of Southeast Asia. In the last week of March 2019, the influence of the dry air mass weakened and the monsoon rain band shifted northward closer to Singapore and the surrounding equatorial region. This brought short-duration thundery showers over Singapore in the late afternoon on several days. The daily total rainfall of 94.6mm and 91.7mm from the intense thunderstorms that fell over many areas in the afternoon of 11 March and 21 March 2019 respectively were the highest daily total rainfall recorded in March 2019.

8          In March 2019, the highest daily maximum temperature recorded across the island was at least 35°C on 19 days of the month. The month’s highest daily maximum temperature of 35.9°C was recorded at Choa Chu Kang on 23 March 2019. At the climate station in Changi, the average temperature for March 2019 was 28.7°C. This ranks March 2019 as the third warmest March in Singapore (since temperature records began in 1929) after 2016 and 1998 (both strong El Niño years) with monthly average temperatures of 29°C and 29.5°C respectively. March 2019, together with February 2019, January 2019 and December 2018, are the warmest respective months in the last 90 years that are not influenced by the El Niño. With an average temperature of 28.1°C, the just concluded Northeast Monsoon season (December 2018 – March 2019) is the third warmest on record.

9          Many parts of Singapore received well below-normal rainfall in March 2019. The highest rainfall of 244.0 mm (15% above average) was recorded at Ang Mo Kio. Rainfall was lowest at Sentosa Island where 39.0 mm (80% below average) was recorded.

 

 

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

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

Average daily maximum temperature 32.3 °C
Average daily minimum temperature 25.0 °C
Average monthly temperature 28.0 °C
Average rainfall 154.8 mm
Average number of rain days 14

 

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

Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 33.9 °C (1983)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 23.1 °C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 454.9 mm (1900)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 16.6 mm (1977)

March 15, 2019

Warm Weather to Persist Before Showers Bring Relief in Late March 2019

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 2nd 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)

Average daily maximum temperature 32.0 °C
Average daily minimum temperature 24.6 °C
Average monthly temperature 27.5 °C
Average rainfall 170.3 mm
Average number of rain days 13

 

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

Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 34.1 °C (1998)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 22.1 °C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 528.3mm (1913)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 6.2 mm (2016)

March 1, 2019

Warmer Days in the Next Fortnight

Expect dry and warm weather on most days in 1st 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)

Average daily maximum temperature 32.0 °C
Average daily minimum temperature 24.6 °C
Average monthly temperature 27.5 °C
Average rainfall 170.3 mm
Average number of rain days 13

 

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

Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 34.1 °C (1998)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 22.1 °C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 528.3mm (1913)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 6.2 mm (2016)

February 15, 2019

Warm Conditions to Continue For the Rest of February 2019

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)

Average daily maximum temperature 31.7 °C
Average daily minimum temperature 24.3 °C
Average monthly temperature 27.1 °C
Average rainfall 112.8 mm
Average number of rain days 8

 

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

Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 33.5 °C (2010)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 21.6 °C (1930, 1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 566.7 mm (1910)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 0.2 mm (2014)

February 1, 2019

Dry and Warm Weather Expected For Lunar New Year

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 34oC.

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 24oC and 33oC on most days, and on days when there is little or no rainfall, the daily maximum temperature could rise to a high of around 34oC.

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

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 33.1oC and 34.8oC compared to that in the second half of the month which was between 29.2oC and 32.9oC. The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.8oC was recorded at Choa Chu Kang on 12 January 2019. The lowest daily maximum and minimum temperatures of 29.2oC and 22.5oC 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 33.4oC 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)

Mean daily maximum temperature 31.7 °C
Mean daily minimum temperature 24.3 °C
Mean monthly temperature 27.1 °C
Mean rainfall for the month 112.8 mm
Mean number of rain days 8
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature 33.5 °C (2010)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature 23.0 °C (1982)
Highest monthly rainfall 470.4 mm (1984)
Lowest monthly rainfall 0.2 mm (2014)

January 16, 2019

Occasionally Windy With Some Warm Days in the Next Fortnight

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 1st 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 34oC 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 34.8oC at Choa Chu Kang on 12 January 2019, and 34.5oC at Marina South on New Year’s Day respectively. In the first half of January 2019, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 32.5oC and 34.8oC, and the daily minimum temperature ranged between 23.1oC and 25.2oC.

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)

Mean daily maximum temperature 30.4 °C
Mean daily minimum temperature 23.9 °C
Mean monthly temperature 26.5 °C
Mean rainfall for the month 234.6 mm
Mean number of rain days 13
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature 31.8 °C (1998)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature 23.0 °C (1981,1983)
Highest monthly rainfall 765.9 mm (2006)
Lowest monthly rainfall 15.4mm (1997)

January 15, 2019

2018 is Singapore’s Eighth Warmest Year on Record

2009-2018 is the warmest decade on record  

 Singapore, 15 January 2019 – 2018 saw a continuation of above-average temperatures over Singapore, with the year recording a mean annual temperature of 27.9°C. This is 0.4°C higher than the 1981-2010[1] long-term average, and 0.2°C warmer than 2017’s mean annual temperature of 27.7°C, making 2018 the joint eighth warmest year on record. Above-average temperatures were recorded in all months in 2018 with the exception of January, when Singapore experienced an extended cool spell on 10 – 14 January.

2          Notably, December 2018 was the second warmest December in Singapore with a monthly mean temperature of 27.6°C, behind December 2015 (27.7°C). The second half of the month was particularly warm; on 28 and 30 December the Changi climate station recorded a daily maximum temperature of 33.8°C, tying the record set on 2 December 1948 for a December day. Temperature records for Singapore started in 1929.

3          Singapore’s top ten warmest years have all occurred in the past 25 years, and eight of them were recorded in this century. Significantly, the last decade from 2009 to 2018 marks the warmest decade on record in Singapore with mean temperature of 27.89°C, surpassing the previous record (1997 to 2006) by 0.02°C. These are signs of the long term warming trend in Singapore.

4          These findings are detailed in a review of Singapore’s weather and climate in 2018 released today by the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). The review summarises the main climatic features and notable weather events that affected Singapore in 2018 and is a prelude to the comprehensive Annual Climate Assessment Report which will be released in conjunction with World Meteorological Day in March 2019. The review is available on the MSS website at https://www.weather.gov.sg (please refer to Annex A for an infographic on Singapore’s Climate in 2018).

El Niño Southern Oscillation

5          2018 was largely an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral year with no significant influence on Singapore’s climate. Weak La Niña conditions prevailed in the first quarter of 2018 and there were signs of a weak El Niño developing towards the end of 2018.

 6          The 2018 annual total rainfall recorded in most parts of the island was close-to-average. At the Changi climate station, however, well below average monthly rainfall was recorded in some months, in particular from February to April. This contributed to an annual total rainfall of 1,708 mm, 21 per cent below the 1981-2010 long-term average.

Notable weather events in 2018         

7          January 2018 was an eventful month for Singapore’s weather. A monsoon surge[2] from 10 to 14 January brought five consecutive days of cool weather across the Island, with the daily minimum temperature dipping to 21.2°C on 14 January. This was the longest cool spell Singapore has experienced in at least two decades. On 30 January, intense thunderstorms brought rain and hailstones over the northern parts of the island. This is relatively rare in the tropics where hailstones usually melt before reaching the ground. On 31 January, a waterspout[3] associated with an intense thunderstorm developed over the sea areas off the east coast of the island. Strong wind gusts from the waterspout blew sail boats on the beach a few meters inland.

8          During the year, heavy rains and strong wind gusts from intense thunderstorms caused several incidents of flash floods, fallen trees and damage to property. In particular, on 30 March, strong wind gusts from an intense thunderstorm caused substantial damage to chicken farms in the Lim Chu Kang area. The wind gust of 133.3 km/h recorded at the nearby Tengah station on that day was the strongest wind gust recorded since 2010.

[1] A “normal climate”, usually termed “Climate Normals”, is the 30-year average of climatological variables, such as temperature and rainfall, updated every 10 years. The current Climate Normals are defined by the baseline period from 1981-2010.  This average is the basis of comparison for recent climate conditions, such as whether the mean temperature for a recent month or year is above or below normal.

[2] A monsoon surge refers to the strengthening of north-easterly winds blowing from a strong high-pressure system over the northern Asian continent toward the South China Sea, bringing periods of prolonged and widespread rain and windy conditions to the surrounding region including Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.

[3] A waterspout is a rotating column of winds associated with intense thunderstorms over the sea. Typically, waterspouts have strong wind gusts of 40 – 80km/h. They lose their energy quickly upon nearing the coast, and are usually short-lived.

December 31, 2018

Warm and Breezy Start to the New Year

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)

Mean daily maximum temperature 30.2 °C
Mean daily minimum temperature 24.0 °C
Mean monthly temperature 26.4 °C
Mean rainfall for the month 318.6 mm
Mean number of rain days 18
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature 31.3 °C (1997, 2002)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature 23.0 °C (1981,1983)
Highest monthly rainfall 765.9 mm (2006)
Lowest monthly rainfall 62.9 mm (1988)

December 14, 2018

Expect More Thundery Showers For The Rest of December 2018

Expect 6-8 days of afternoon thundery showers in the next fortnight. A monsoon surge towards last week of the fortnight likely to bring 1-2 days of more intense thunderstorm activities and occasionally windy conditions. The daily temperatures between 24°C and 33°C on most days.

Singapore, 14 December 2018 –  The prevailing Northeast Monsoon in the region is expected to persist in the next few months, with the low level winds blowing mostly from the northeast or northwest.

2          In the next fortnight, Singapore can expect short-duration thundery showers in the afternoon and evening on six to eight days.  In addition, towards the last week of December 2018, a surge of monsoon winds over the South China Sea is likely to bring converging winds over the region and more intense thunderstorm activities over Singapore on one to two days, accompanied by occasionally windy conditions.   On another one or two days of the fortnight, the prevailing winds are forecast to temporarily blow from the west, bringing thundery showers in the morning.  The rainfall for December 2018 is expected to be near normal.

3          The daily temperatures in the second fortnight of December 2018 are expected to range between 24°C and 33°C on most days. The daily maximum temperature may reach a high of 34°C on a few days, with the minimum temperature dropping to a low of 23°C on days with intense 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 – 13 December 2018)

5          Following the onset of the Northeast Monsoon in late November 2018, Singapore and the surrounding region experienced wet weather conditions in the first fortnight of December 2018 as monsoon rain band developed close to the equatorial South China Sea.  Thundery showers fell over many parts of the island in the afternoon on most days during the period. The highest daily total rainfall of 73.4 mm was recorded on 5 December 2018 over the western parts of Singapore near Lim Chu Kang in the late afternoon.

6          Towards the end of the fortnight, a large-scale convergence of northeasterly winds triggered by a moderate monsoon surge over the South China Sea led to the development of intense thundery showers in the afternoon on 11 December 2018.The highest daily total rainfall was recorded at Pulau Ubin  (73.2 mm) and Thomson Road (72.6 mm) on 11 and 12 December 2018 respectively. Floods were reported over several places near Dunearn Road and Eng Neo Road following the heavy downpour on 12 December 2018.

7          During the fortnight, Singapore’s daily maximum temperature ranged between 32.0°C and 33.7°C on most days.  The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.6°C was recorded on 9 December 2018 in the Marina Bay area. The daily minimum temperature ranged between 23.0°C and 24.5°C

8          More than two thirds of the island received above normal rainfall in the first fortnight of December 2018. The highest rainfall of 262.6 mm was recorded in the Jurong Pier area while Changi recorded the lowest rainfall of 52 mm.

FortnightRain_Anomaly_201812aa

 

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

Mean daily maximum temperature 30.2 °C
Mean daily minimum temperature 24.0 °C
Mean monthly temperature 26.4 °C
Mean rainfall for the month 318.6 mm
Mean number of rain days 18
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature 31.3 °C (1997, 2002)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature 23.0 °C (1981,1983)
Highest monthly rainfall 765.9 mm (2006)
Lowest monthly rainfall 62.9 mm (1988)