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Southwest Monsoon to bring drier and warmer conditions. Localized and short-duration thundery showers forecast on three to five days in late morning and early afternoon. Widespread showers with gusty winds on one to two days in predawn hours and morning.

Singapore, 1 June 2018 – The Southwest Monsoon is expected to set in during the first fortnight of June 2018, with the prevailing winds strengthening and blowing predominantly from the southeast or southwest. The Southwest Monsoon season typically last till September and is characterised by relatively drier and warmer weather conditions.

2         During the coming fortnight, drier conditions can be expected compared to the previous fortnight in May 2018. Localized short duration thundery showers are forecast in the late morning and early afternoon on three to five days due to strong heating of the land areas. In addition, widespread showers with gusty winds are likely in the predawn hours and morning on one to two days.  Rainfall for the first fortnight of June 2018 is likely to be below normal.

3         With lesser rainfall, generally warmer temperatures can be expected. During this period, the daily temperature is expected to range between 25°C and 34°C on most days, with the possibility of reaching 35°C on a few days.

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

REVIEW (1 – 31 May 2018)

5         Inter-monsoon conditions persisted in Singapore in May 2018.  The low level prevailing winds were generally light and variable in direction, occasionally blowing from the east or southeast.

6         During the month, thundery showers affected Singapore in the late morning and afternoon on most days, and extended into the evening on some days.  On 13 May 2018, widespread moderate to heavy thundery showers affected Singapore between the early hours and mid-day due to strong convergence of winds over Singapore.  During the event, heavy rain fell over western parts of Singapore between 7am and 11am, with the highest daily total rainfall of 121.6mm recorded over the Choa Chu Kang area. The second half of the month was generally wetter than the first half.

7         For the month of May 2018, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 30.8°C and 35.4°C, and the daily minimum temperature ranged between 22.4°C and 27.0°C. There were up to 5 days with temperatures greater than 35.0°C recorded on the 3, 4, 12, 24 and 25 May 2018 over the northern, southern and western parts of Singapore. The night-time temperatures were also warm on some days, especially during the second week of the month when the night-time temperature stayed above 27.0°C.

8         About three quarters of Singapore received above-normal rainfall in May 2018. The lowest rainfall of 118.0 mm (36% below average) was recorded at Sentosa. Rainfall was highest around Paya Lebar where 343.8 mm (79% above average) was recorded.

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

Inter-monsoon conditions have set in over Singapore.  Expect more short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers in second half of April 2018 accompanied with high lightning activity.  A few warm days with maiximum temperature around 35 deg C expected. 

Singapore, 16 April 2018 – Inter-monsoon conditions have set in over Singapore and the surrounding region, and are forecast to persist for the rest of April and extend into May 2018. During this period, the low level winds are generally light and variable in direction.

2          The inter-monsoon period is characterised by warm weather and moderate to heavy thundery showers falling mostly in the afternoon and occasionally extending into the evening. Typically, thunderstorms during the inter-monsoon period are more intense than other times of the year. This is due to strong solar heating of land areas as the sun is closer to the Equator. April is climatologically the month with one of the highest number of lightning occurrences.

3          The second fortnight of April 2018 is forecast to be wetter than the first fortnight, with short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers expected mainly in the afternoon on seven to nine days. Also in this fortnight, Sumatra squalls moving from the Strait of Malacca to the South China Sea could bring widespread thundery showers accompanied with gusty winds over Singapore on two or three days between the predawn hours and early morning. With the expected wetter conditions in the coming fortnight, the overall rainfall for April 2018 is likely to be near average.

4          Climatologically, April is one of the warmest months of the year. In the second half of April 2018, a few warm days can be expected. On most days, the daily temperatures are expected to range between 24°C and 34°C, and could reach a high of around 35°C on a few days. With expected widespread rain on a few days in the coming fortnight, the minimum temperature on these days could reach a low of around 23°C.

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

REVIEW (1 – 15 April 2018)

6          The Northeast Monsoon conditions gave way to the inter-monsoon conditions in the first half of April 2018. The prevailing low level winds over Singapore became light and variable in direction having been predominantly blowing from the northeast or northwest for the past few months.

7          In the first half of April 2018, the strong daytime heating of the land area coupled with generally light winds during the day were conducive conditions for the development of thundery showers over Singapore. Most of the thundery showers fell in the afternoon and were more intense in the second week of April 2018. Rainfall was heaviest on 7 April 2018 around the MacRitchie Reservoir area where the daily total rainfall recorded was 138mm.

8          There were some warm days during the first fortnight of April 2018. The daily maximum temperature ranged between 33.2°C and 34.9°C, particularly over the northern and western parts of Singapore. The highest value of 34.9°C was recorded at Khatib in Yishun. The daily minimum temperature ranged from 22.5°C to 25.5°C.

9         About two-thirds of Singapore received below-normal rainfall in the first fortnight of April 2018. The lowest rainfall of 20.4mm (73% below average) was recorded at Changi. Rainfall was highest around Jurong where 219.8mm (66% above average) was recorded.

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

Inter-monsoon conditions with light and variable winds expected in 1st fortnight of April 2018. Expect afternoon thundery showers which can be intense at times, accompanied by high lightning activity. Some warms days expected.

Singapore, 2 April 2018 – In the first fortnight of April 2018, the low level northeasterly winds are forecast to gradually shift to become light and variable in direction. The change in conditions would signal the cessation of the Northeast Monsoon season and the start of the inter-monsoon period.

2        Inter-monsoon conditions are forecast to prevail in April and extend into May 2018. The period is characterised by warm weather and thunderstorms, at times intense, occurring in the afternoon and evening. During the inter-monsoon months, lightning activity tends to be higher than other months of the year.

3          The first fortnight of April 2018 is not expected to be as wet as the last two weeks of March 2018. In the first half of the month, short-duration thundery showers, which can be heavy at times, are expected in the afternoon and evening on seven to nine days. Overall, the rainfall for the first fortnight of April 2018 is expected to be below average.

4          April is climatologically one of the warmest months of the year. In the first half of April 2018, some warm days with daily maximum temperatures of around 34°C can be expected. On a few days when dry and warm weather conditions are forecast, the daily maximum temperatures could reach a high of around 35°C. The daily minimum temperature is forecast to range between 23°C and 25°C, with the lower temperature on 23°C likely when it rains for most parts of the day.

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

REVIEW (1 – 31 March 2018)

6          Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed in the region in March 2018. The low level winds over Singapore blew predominantly from the northeast or northwest.

7         In March 2018, most of the thundery showers occurred in the afternoon due to strong daytime heating of land areas and/or convergence of winds over Singapore or surrounding sea areas. The thundery showers were intense on a few afternoons. In particular, on 30 March 2018, the downdraft from an intense thunderstorm brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the western parts of Singapore around Choa Chu Kang and Jurong. The strongest wind gust recorded that day was 133.3 km/h at Tengah which was the strongest wind gust recorded since 2010. While the rainfall from the intense thunderstorm on 30 March 2018 was heavy, it did not record the highest daily rainfall for the month. The highest daily rainfall for March 2018 was 93.2mm recorded at Queenstown due to a heavy downpour in the afternoon of 24 March 2018.

8          The daily maximum and minimum temperature recorded in March 2018 ranged from 26.6°C to 35.7°C, and from 21.4°C to 24.7°C respectively. There were some warm days in March 2018 where the daily maximum temperature recorded on five of these days were in the 35°C range. The high daily maximum temperatures were recorded around the northern and western parts of the island around the Admiralty and Clementi areas.

9         Most parts of Singapore received well below-normal rainfall in March 2018. The lowest rainfall of 38mm (82% below average) was recorded at Paya Lebar. Rainfall was highest around Jurong area where 280.0mm (31% above average) was recorded.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to the strengthening of northeasterly winds blowing from a strong high-pressure system over the northern Asian continent toward the South China Sea, bringing periods of prolonged widespread rain and windy conditions to the surrounding region including Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. (Further information is available at  https://www.weather.gov.sg/learn_weather_systems/).

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

Warm days with daily maximum temperature around 35°C expected on some days. Mostly short-duration thundery showers in the afternoon in second half of March 2018.

Singapore, 16 March 2018 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions with low level winds blowing predominantly from the northeast or northwest are forecast to persist for the rest of March 2018. A gradual transition of the low level winds to become light and variable in direction is expected around the end of the month, giving indication of the onset of the inter-monsoon period in early April 2018.

2         For the rest of March 2018, thundery showers due to daytime heating of land areas are expected on five to seven days. These showers are forecast to be of short-duration lasting around an hour or less in the afternoon, and extending into the evening on one or two of these days. On one or two mornings in the second half of March 2018, the eastward passage of Sumatra squall lines from the Strait of Malacca towards the South China Sea is forecast to bring thundery showers with gusty winds to Singapore. For the month as a whole, the total rainfall is forecast to be below the monthly average of 170.3mm.

3         On some days in the next fortnight, a mass of dry air from northern Asia is forecast to move over parts of Southeast Asia. The passage of dry air could bring fair and warm conditions over Singapore, and the daily maximum temperature on these days could reach up to 35°C. The daily maximum and minimum temperatures on most days in the fortnight are expected to rise to around 34°C and dip to low of around 24°C respectively.

4         For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the 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 March 2018)

5          In the first half of March 2018, Singapore and the surrounding region experienced Northeast Monsoon conditions with the low level winds blowing mainly from the northwest or northeast.

6         During the fortnight, most of the thundery showers fell in the afternoon arising from strong daytime heating of land areas and convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. In the second week of March 2018, there was a weak monsoon surge[1] that affected the South China Sea and the surrounding coastal land areas. The weak surge brought windy conditions and passing showers to Singapore on a few days. In the first fortnight of March 2018, rainfall was heaviest on 2 March 2018 at Ang Mo Kio, where the daily total rainfall recorded was 92.5mm.

7         There were a few warm weather days in the first half of March 2018. The highest daily maximum temperature was 35.7°C, recorded at Clementi on 3 March 2018. The daily minimum temperature recorded in the fortnight ranged between 22.6°C and 24.1°C.

8         Most parts of Singapore received well below-normal rainfall in the first half of March 2018. The lowest rainfall of 15mm (87% below average) was recorded in the eastern part of the island. Rainfall was highest at Choa Chu Kang where 130.1mm (7% above average) was recorded.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to the strengthening of northeasterly winds blowing from a strong high-pressure system over the northern Asian continent toward the South China Sea, bringing periods of prolonged widespread rain and windy conditions to the surrounding region including Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. (Further information is available at  https://www.weather.gov.sg/learn_weather_systems/).

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

More afternoon thundery showers expected in first half of March 2018 following a dry February 2018. A few warm days expected with daily maximum temperature around 34°C.

Singapore, 1 March 2018 – Singapore and the surrounding region will continue to experience Northeast Monsoon conditions in the first fortnight of March 2018. The low level winds during this period are forecast to blow mostly from the northwest or northeast.

2         In the first two weeks of March 2018, more showers are expected to fall over the island compared to the last fortnight of February 2018. The thundery showers are forecast mostly in the afternoon on seven to nine days arising mainly from daytime heating of land areas.  On a few of these days, the thundery showers are likely to extend into the evening. In addition, a weak monsoon surge[1] could affect the South China Sea and the surrounding region in the latter half of the fortnight. The surge is likely to bring windy conditions with passing showers and cooler temperatures to Singapore on a few days. The rainfall for the first two weeks of March 2018 is expected to be near normal.

3         The daily temperature on most days in the next fortnight is forecast to range between 23°C and 33°C. Warm conditions can be expected on a few days when the daily maximum temperature climbs to around 34°C.

4         For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the 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 2018)

5         February 2018 saw the onset of the dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon season. The low level winds blew predominantly from the north or northeast, and on the whole, there was not much rain that fell over the island.

6         In the first week of the month, a weak monsoon surge brought windy conditions with some passing showers to the island. Between 5 February and 14 February, a dry air mass from northern Asia was blown by the prevailing northerly to northeasterly winds to the Southeast Asia region, including Singapore. The dry air brought seven consecutive dry days between 7 February and 13 February, with no rainfall recorded over the island. The second half of February 2018 saw more showers compared to the first half of the month. The thundery showers fell mostly over the western, central and southern parts of the island in the afternoon and evening on several days due to daytime heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds in the vicinity. The heaviest rainfall was recorded on 28 February 2018 where the 93.5mm of rain was recorded at the station in Woodlands.

7         In February 2018, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 29.4°C and 35.1°C, and the daily minimum temperature ranged between 22.0°C and 25.2°C. The highest temperature of 35.1°C was recorded at Choa Chu Kang on 22 February 2018.

8         Almost all parts of Singapore received well below-normal rainfall in February 2018. The lowest rainfall of 17mm (87% below average) was recorded in eastern Singapore. Rainfall was highest at Choa Chu Kang where 148.2mm (4% above average) was recorded.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to the strengthening of northeasterly winds blowing from a strong high-pressure system over the northern Asian continent toward the South China Sea, bringing periods of prolonged widespread rain and windy conditions to the surrounding region including Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. (Further information is available at  https://www.weather.gov.sg/learn_weather_systems/).

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

The second fortnight of February 2018 expected to be warmer and wetter than the first fortnight of the month. Warm conditions with afternoon thundery showers expected for Lunar New Year weekend.

Singapore, 14 February 2018 – In the second fortnight of February 2018, the prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions over Singapore and the region will continue to persist and extend into early March 2018. During this period, the low level winds are forecast to blow predominantly from the northeast or northwest.

2          The second half of February 2018 is forecast to be wetter than the first half of the month. Short-duration thundery showers due to strong day-time heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds, are expected mostly in the afternoon on six to eight days. On a few of these days, the thundery showers may extend into the evening. The rainfall for February 2018 is likely to be below normal.

3          The second fortnight of February 2018 is also expected to be warmer than the first fortnight of February 2018. Some warm days can be expected where the daily maximum temperature could reach a high of around 34°C. On most days, the daily maximum temperature is forecast to be around 32°C or 33°C while the daily minimum temperature is expected to range between 23°C and 24°C.

4          For the Lunar New Year holiday period, the weather is expected to be warm with thundery showers in the afternoon, and the daily temperature is forecast to range between 24°C and 34°C.

5         For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the 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 January 2018)

6         The Northeast Monsoon conditions prevail during the first fortnight of February 2018 with the low level winds over the region blowing predominantly from the north or northeast.

7          In the first week of February 2018, a weak monsoon surge ^[1] between 2 February and 5 February brought windy conditions with occasional showers on 2 February, and passing showers on subsequent days during the period. For the rest of the first fortnight, the weather was fair and occasionally windy due to the passage of a dry air mass from northern Asia. The highest total daily rainfall recorded in the first fortnight of February 2018 was 16.6mm around the Ulu Pandan area on 2 February 2018.

8          During the first two weeks of February 2018, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 29.4°C and 33.7°C, and the daily minimum temperature ranged between 22°C and 25.2°C. The lowest temperature of 22°C was recorded over Pulau Ubin on 8 and 10 February 2018.

9      Singapore received well below-normal rainfall in the first two weeks of February 2018. The highest rainfall of 22.4mm (66% below average) was recorded around the south-western part of Singapore. Rainfall was lowest around the Jurong west area where 4.2mm (94% below average) was recorded.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to the strengthening of northeasterly winds blowing from a strong high-pressure system over the northern Asian continent toward the South China Sea, bringing periods of prolonged widespread rain and windy conditions to the surrounding region including Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. (Further information is available at  https://www.weather.gov.sg/learn_weather_systems/).

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

The first fortnight of February 2018 expected to be dry and warm. Short-duration thundery showers expected in the afternoon on some days.

Singapore, 1 February 2018 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon will continue into the first half of February 2018. For the next fortnight, dry, warm and occasionally windy conditions are expected over Singapore as the region enters the dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon season. During this period, the low level winds are forecast to blow predominantly from the northeast or northwest.

2           Compared with the very wet weather experienced in January 2018, the first half of February 2018 is forecast to be relatively dry with some warm days. Short-duration thundery showers are expected in the afternoon on three to five days. In addition, a weak monsoon surge ^[1] could affect the South China Sea and the surrounding region in the early part of the month. The surge is expected to bring windy conditions with passing showers and cooler temperatures to Singapore on a few days. The rainfall for the first fortnight of February 2018 is expected to be below normal.

3           In the first half of February 2018, the daily temperatures are forecast to range between 24°C and 33°C, and could reach a high of around 34°C on a few days. Cooler temperatures can be expected with daily minimum temperatures ranging between 23°C and 24°C on windy or rainy days.

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

REVIEW (1 – 31 January 2018)

5          January 2018 was an eventful month for Singapore weather. The first week of January 2018 saw moderate to heavy thundery showers from three different weather systems – localised thunderstorms, Sumatra squalls and monsoon surges. In the last week of the month, hailstones and a waterspout were observed on 30 and 31 January respectively.

6          On most days of the month, thundery showers fell over Singapore in the afternoon and evening. On the morning of 8 January, a Sumatra squall brought widespread thundery showers to the island with the eastern parts of Singapore receiving the heaviest rainfall. The heavy rain resulted in flash floods in several places, and the highest total daily rainfall recorded was 131.8mm in the Paya Lebar area.

7          In the first half of January 2018, there were two occurrences of monsoon surge. The monsoon surge on 1 January was the tail-end of a 3-day monsoon surge episode that started on 30 December 2017. The second monsoon surge episode from 10 to 14 January brought five consecutive days of cool weather, with daily minimum temperatures dipping to as low as 21.2°C; this was the longest cool spell in Singapore in the last ten years. Both monsoon surge episodes brought overcast skies, windy conditions and widespread rain to Singapore and the surrounding region.

8          On 30 January 2018, intense thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall with strong winds over many areas of the island. Hailstones were observed in some parts of northern Singapore including Seletar and Yishun. The following day, another intense thunderstorm event brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to the eastern parts of Singapore. A waterspout also developed over the sea areas off the east coast of Singapore.

9          In January 2018, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 24.3°C and 34.9°C. and the daily minimum temperature was between 21.2°C and 24.1°C. The lowest temperature recorded was 21.2°C at Admiralty and Jurong West on 14 January 2018 during a monsoon surge. At the Changi climate station, the mean monthly temperature of 26.2°C for January 2018 is 0.3°C below the long-term mean for January.

10       Singapore received well above normal rainfall in January 2018. The highest rainfall of 502.4mm (119% above average) was recorded at Paya Lebar. Rainfall was lowest around the Changi area where 272.6mm (16% above average) was recorded.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to the strengthening of northeasterly winds blowing from a strong high-pressure system over the northern Asian continent toward the South China Sea, bringing periods of prolonged widespread rain and windy conditions to the surrounding region including Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. (Further information is available at  https://www.weather.gov.sg/learn_weather_systems/).

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