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Wet weather expected in second half of May 2017

Singapore, 16 May 2017 – Inter-monsoon conditions characterised by light winds are expected to persist in the next fortnight. Towards the end of the month, the winds are forecast to gradually strengthen and blow from the southeast or southwest as the inter-monsoon conditions gradually transition to Southwest Monsoon conditions around end May/early June 2017.

2          For the second half of May 2017, short-duration thundery showers are expected on six to eight days in the late morning and afternoon, and could extend into the evening on one or two of these days. The thunderstorms can be heavy on some days because of strong convection due to daytime heating of land areas. In addition, widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected between the predawn and early morning on two or three days. Overall, the rainfall for May 2017 is forecast to be slightly above normal.

3          For the rest of the month, the daily temperature on most days is expected to range between 24^oC and 33°C. On a few days, the daily maximum temperature could reach a high of 34°C. As the Southwest Monsoon conditions gradually sets in around the end of May/early June 2017, the nights can be relatively warm, in particular on non-rain days. This usually occurs when the weak southeast winds bring warm, humid air from the sea toward the land.

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 2017

5          Inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in the first fortnight of May 2017, and the low level winds were generally light and variable in direction. On some days, the prevailing winds blew from the southwest or west due to the influence of low pressure systems in the nearby region.

6          In the first half of the month, there were a few warm days where temperatures above 34°C were recorded. The highest temperature recorded during the period was 34.5°C around the Seletar area on 9 May 2017. At the Changi climate station, the mean daily maximum temperature recorded in the first fortnight of May 2017 was 28.4°C, which is 0.1°C above the long-term mean for May.

7          On most days in the first half of May 2017, the thundery showers in the late morning and early afternoon were due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. On a few dayswidespread thundery showers and gusty winds to Singapore between the pre-dawn and the early morning.  The showers were heaviest on 12 May 2017 where the highest daily rainfall total recorded was 84.4mm around Sentosa.

8          Most parts of Singapore received below normal rainfall in the first fortnight of May 2017. The lowest rainfall of 40.4mm (61% below average) was recorded around the Upper Thomson area. Rainfall was highest around Sentosa where 181.4mm (103% above average) was recorded.

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

Thundery showers mostly in the late morning and afternoon

Singapore, 2 May 2017 – The prevailing inter-monsoon conditions where low level winds are generally light and variable in direction are expected to persist in May 2017. Some warm days and thundery showers occurring mostly in the afternoon are common in the month of May due to the strong daytime heating of land areas.

2          In the first fortnight of May 2017, the prevailing winds are forecast to be light and variable in direction on most days. On some days, with the presence of low pressure systems in the nearby region, a temporary shift in the prevailing winds to blow from the southwest or west can be expected. During this period, short-duration thundery showers are forecast mostly in the late morning and afternoon on six or seven days, and could extend into the evening on a few of these days. On two or three days in the first fortnight, widespread thundery showers and gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected between the predawn and early morning. Overall, the rainfall for the first half of May 2017 is forecast to be slightly above normal.

3          Based on long-term statistics, May is the second warmest month of the year after April. In the first two weeks of May 2017, the daily temperature on most days is expected to range between 25°C and 34°C. Warm temperatures of between 34°C and 35°C are expected on some days when there is strong solar heating and the winds are light.

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 April 2017

5          Inter-monsoon conditions prevailed in the region in April 2017, with low level winds that were predominantly light and variable in direction.

6          During the month, Singapore experienced thundery showers mostly in the afternoon due to strong daytime heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. The occurrence of Sumatra squalls on several days in April 2017 brought widespread thundery showers and gusty winds over Singapore between the pre-dawn hours and the early morning. The heaviest rainfall recorded for April 2017 was from a Sumatra squall that brought 102mm of rain in a day. This occurred over the Tuas area on the morning of 21 April 2017.

7          At the Changi climate station in April 2017, it rained on 22 days[1] and the mean temperature recorded was 27.8°C. This is two days more and 0.2°C cooler than the long-term record number of rain days and mean temperature respectively for April. There were several warm days in April 2017 where the daily maximum temperature on these days ranged from 34.1°C to a high of 35.2°C.

8          Most parts of Singapore received above normal rainfall in April 2017. The highest rainfall of 358.4mm (55% above average) was recorded around the Paya Lebar area. Rainfall was lowest around Seletar where 205.2mm (11% below average) was recorded.

[1] A day is considered to have ‘rained’ if the total rainfall for that day is 0.2mm or more.

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

Some warm days can still be expected

Singapore, 17 April 2017 – In the second fortnight of April 2017, the prevailing inter-monsoon conditions over Singapore and the surrounding region are expected to persist and extend into May 2017.

2          During the inter-monsoon period, the low level winds are forecast to be predominantly light and variable in direction. Moderate to heavy short-duration thundery showers are expected mostly in the afternoon with a possibility of extending into the evening on a few days due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity.

3          In the second half of April 2017, short-duration thundery showers are expected on six to eight days. In addition, on two or three days in the fortnight, the passage of Sumatra squalls is expected to bring widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds between pre-dawn and early morning. Climatologically, lightning activity during the inter-monsoon months is the highest compared to other times of the year. The rainfall for April 2017 is forecast to be slightly above normal.

4          Although wet weather is forecast on most days in the last two weeks of April 2017, some warm days can still be expected, with the daily maximum temperature reaching a high of around 35°C. On most days, the daily temperature range is likely to range between 24°C and 34°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 – 16 April 2017

6          During the period from 1 to 16 April 2017, the region experienced inter-monsoon conditions where the low level winds were generally weak and variable in direction. The presence of tropical cyclones in the southern Indian Ocean on some days brought a temporary shift in the winds over Singapore and the surrounding region to blow from the west or southwest.

7          In the first week of April 2017, the occurrence of Sumatra squalls brought widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds over Singapore on several days between midnight and the early morning. In the second half of the first fortnight, the prevailing winds were light and variable in direction, and Singapore experienced thundery showers mostly in the afternoon due to strong daytime heating of land areas. The highest daily rainfall total of 61.7mm was recorded on 13 April 2017 around the Sembawang area.

8          There were some warm days in the first two weeks of April 2017. The daily maximum temperature recorded during the period ranged between 29.6°C and 34.7°C, of which there were five days where the maximum temperature was more than 34°C. The daily minimum temperature ranged between 22.3°C and 26.2°C.

9          About two-third of Singapore received below normal rainfall in the first half of April 2017. The lowest rainfall of 56.3mm (57% below average) was recorded around the Kranji area. Rainfall was highest in the Jurong area where 246.4mm (71% above average) was recorded.

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

Wet and warm weather expected in the first fortnight of April 2017

Singapore, 31 March 2017 –  Inter-monsoon conditions characterised by low level winds that are light and variable in direction set in over the region in the last week of March 2017. The Inter-monsoon period is forecast to persist until end May 2017.

2          During the inter-monsoon period, warm weather and thundery showers in the afternoon and early evening are common. The predominantly light and variable winds during this period, coupled with strong daytime heating of land areas, are conducive for the development of localised and intense thunderstorms. In addition, the incidence of lightning activity during the inter-monsoon months is higher than other times of the year.

3          The first fortnight of April 2017 is forecast to be wet with short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers mostly in the afternoon on six to seven days, and could extend into evening on a few of these days. In addition, a temporary shift in the winds to blow from the southwest or west could lead to the development of Sumatra squalls to the west of Singapore, and bring widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds to Singapore on two or three days in the predawn and early morning. Overall, rainfall in the first two weeks of April is expected to be slightly above normal.

4          Climatologically, April is one of the warmest months of the year. For the first half of April 2017, the temperature is forecast to range between 24°C and 34°C. A few warm days can be expected in the middle of the period where the daily maximum temperatures could reach a high of around 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 – 30 March 2017

6          In the second half of March 2017, the prevailing northeasterly winds gradually weakened to become light and variable in direction as the region transitioned to the inter-monsoon period.

7          In March 2017, Singapore experienced thundery showers mostly in the afternoon. The showers were heaviest on the afternoon of 25 March 2017 over northern Singapore, with the highest daily total rainfall of 110.4mm recorded in the Mandai area. The heavy thundery showers were induced by strong heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity.

8          The mean temperature for March 2017 to date was 27.4°C which is 0.1°C lower than the long-term mean temperature. During the month, there were a few warm days where the highest daily maximum temperature ranged between 35.0°C and 35.7°C. The daily minimum temperature ranged between 22.1°C and 26.5°C.

9          More than half of Singapore received below normal rainfall in March 2017. The lowest rainfall of 139.8mm (36% below average) was recorded around Queenstown area. Rainfall was highest around the Choa Chu Kang area where 320.8mm (41% above average) was recorded.

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

Warm conditions expected on a few days

Singapore, 16 March 2017 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to weaken and gradually transition to inter-monsoon conditions around the last week of March 2017. The low level winds are forecast to blow from the northeast or northwest in the early part of the fortnight and become light and variable in direction with the onset of the inter-monsoon period in the later part of the month.

2          The inter-monsoon period is expected to prevail into April and May 2017. This period is characterised by warm weather and thunderstorms developing mainly in the afternoon and early evening. Light wind conditions are common during the inter-monsoon period, during which particulate matter in the atmosphere take a longer time to disperse. This may occasionally produce the appearance of slightly hazy skies over parts of Singapore on some days.

3          In the second half of March 2017, short-duration thundery showers are expected on five to seven days, mostly in the afternoon, and could extend into the evening on a few days. The thunderstorms can be heavy on some days because of strong convection due to daytime heating of land areas. In addition, widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds can be expected in the morning on one or two days during the period. Overall, the rainfall for March 2017 is likely to be slightly below normal.

4          In the next fortnight, relatively warm temperatures of between 34°C and 35°C can be expected on a few days when there is strong solar heating and the winds are light. On most days, the daily maximum temperature is forecast to range between 33°C and 34°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 March 2017

6          Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in the first fortnight of March 2017, with the low level winds blowing mainly from the northeast or northwest.

7          During the first half of March 2017, Singapore experienced thundery showers mostly in the afternoon. The showers were heaviest on the afternoon of 11 March 2017 over northwestern Singapore. The heavy thundery showers were induced by strong heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. The highest daily total rainfall recorded during the first fortnight of March 2017 was 59.9mm in the Choa Chu Kang area.

8          In the first fortnight of March 2017, the daily maximum temperatures ranged between 27.6°C and 35.7°C, and the daily minimum temperatures ranged between 22.9°C and 25.3°C.

9          About half of Singapore received above normal rainfall in the first half of March 2017. The highest rainfall of 204.6mm (80% above average) was recorded around Choa Chu Kang area. Rainfall was lowest around Changi where 47.4mm (43% below average) was recorded.

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

Drier conditions in the second week

Singapore, 1 March 2017 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions over the region are forecast to persist into the first fortnight of March 2017. During this period, the low level winds are expected to blow from the north or northeast.

2          With the presence of the monsoon rain band located around the equatorial region, including over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity in the first week of March 2017, wetter weather conditions are expected during this period compared to the second week of the fortnight. Thundery showers, which can be heavy at times, are expected mostly in the afternoon on most days in the first week of March 2017.  In the latter half of the fortnight, most of the convective activity in the region are likely to be around areas further east of Singapore, and drier weather is expected for Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. Localised short-duration thundery showers can still be expected in the afternoon on 2-3 days in the second week of the fortnight. Overall, the rainfall for the first half of March 2017 is forecast to be slightly below normal.

3          The daily temperature for the first fortnight of March 2017 is expected to range between 24°C and 33°C on most days, and could reach a high of 34°C with the expected drier weather conditions in the second week of March 2017.

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 2017

5         Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in February 2017, and the low level winds during the month blew mostly from the north or northeast.

6         In the first eight days of February 2017, moderate to heavy thundery showers were experienced over the island in the afternoon on most days, and extended into the evening on a few days. The rainfall was heaviest on 8 February 2017 where the highest daily rainfall total recorded was 108.2mm around the Orchard Road area.

7          While February is typically a drier month of the year, February 2017 had been slightly wetter than usual. Apart from the few periods of consecutive days of dry weather conditions, most days in February 2017 were occasionally windy and cool. The lowest daily minimum temperature recorded in February 2017 was 22.5°C on 15 February 2017  when a monsoon surge[1] was affecting the region between 12 and 15 February  2017.  The highest maximum wind gust recorded in February 2017 was 67.4km/h at the Marina South area on 12 February 2017 under the influence of this surge. This is stronger than the highest ever recorded wind gust of 64.4km/h for February at the Changi climate station.

8        In February 2017, the eastern half of Singapore received significantly above normal rainfall. The highest rainfall of 223.2mm (87% above average) was recorded around Pasir Ris area. Rainfall was lowest around Boon Lay area where 99.8mm (32% below average) was recorded.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to a strengthening of winds over the South China Sea, causing extensive rainclouds to form over our surrounding region.

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

Short-duration thundery showers on some afternoons

Singapore, 16 February 2017 – The prevailing dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon is expected to persist in the second half of February 2017, and the low level winds are forecast to blow mostly from the northwest or northeast.

2        The monsoon surge [1] in the South China Sea that that has been affecting Singapore and the surrounding region since 12 February 2017 is expected to weaken in the next one or two days. For the rest of the month, short-duration thundery showers are expected in the afternoon on six to eight days, and could extend into the evening on a few days. The showers may be heavy at times, in particular on days when there is strong solar heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds over the island or in the surrounding vicinity. The rainfall for February 2017 is expected to be slightly above normal.

3        For the rest of February 2017, the daily temperature on most days is expected to range between 24°C and 33°C. Some warm days can be expected in the later part of the fortnight, when the daily maximum temperature could reach a high of 34°C. However, the daily minimum temperature could dip to around 22°C on rainy days.

4        For updates of the daily weather and haze forecast, please visit our 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 February 2017)

5        Singapore experienced Northeast Monsoon conditions in the first half of February 2017. During this period, the low level winds over Singapore and the surrounding region were blowing predominantly from the north or northeast.

6        At the start of February 2017, moderate to heavy thundery showers fell over the island on several afternoons, which extended at times into the evening. The showers were heaviest on 8 February 2017 where the highest daily rainfall total recorded was 108.2mm around the Orchard Road area.

7        The wet weather in the early part of the month was followed by a few days of generally dry and occasionally windy conditions. The drier weather experienced on these days was due to a flow of cold dry air from northern continental Asia toward our surrounding region.

8        The brief spell of dry weather in the second week of the month was broken by the occurrence of a monsoon surge between 12 and 15 February 2017. During this period, Singapore experienced windy and cool conditions, and periods of showers on some days. At the Changi climate station, wind gusts of up to 48.2km/h were recorded during the monsoon surge period. In comparison, the highest ever recorded wind gust for February at the Changi climate station is 64.4km/h. The highest maximum wind gust recorded in February 2017 (as of 16 February 2017) was 67.4km/h at Marina Barrage on 12 February 2017.

9        The daily temperatures in the first half of February 2017 ranged between 22.5°C and 34.1°C. During the monsoon surge episode, the days were windy and cool with the daily minimum temperatures ranging between 22.5°C and 24.6°C.

10       About two-third of the island received above normal rainfall in the first half February 2017. The highest rainfall of 154mm (141% above average) was recorded around Pasir Ris area. Rainfall was lowest around Jurong where 22.8mm (70% below average) was recorded.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to a strengthening of winds over the South China Sea, causing extensive rainclouds to form over our surrounding region.

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

A temporary reprieve from the wet weather that Singapore has been experiencing this past week can be expected for the next few days. This is due to an incursion of drier air over the region, bringing generally fair and occasionally windy conditions to Singapore.

Rainy conditions can be expected again when a monsoon surge* is forecast to affect the South China Sea from around this Sunday (12 February). The surge will bring windy conditions with widespread rain, heavy at times, on some days in the coming week. The daily temperature during this period is expected to range between 22°C and 29°C.

*A monsoon surge refers to a strengthening of winds over the South China Sea, causing extensive rainclouds to form over our surrounding region.

(Issued on 9 Feb 2017)

Short-duration thundery showers on some days

Singapore, 1 February 2017  – In the first fortnight of February 2017, the prevailing Northeast Monsoon season is forecast to enter its dry phase, which is characterised by drier weather and occasionally windy conditions. During this period, the low level winds are forecast to blow predominantly from the northeast or northwest.

2          Compared to the second half of January 2017 when Singapore experienced wet weather conditions on most days, the first fortnight of February 2017 is forecast to be drier and warmer. In addition, the daily temperature is expected to range between 23°C and 33°C, and could reach a high of around 34°C on some days.

3          Climatologically, February is the driest month of the year. During the dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon season, the monsoon rain belt typically lies south of the Equator, resulting in fewer rain days[1] for Singapore. For the first fortnight of February 2017, short-duration thundery showers due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds can still be expected mostly in the afternoon on four or five days. Rainfall for the first half of February 2017 is forecast to be below normal.

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

[1] A rain day is defined as a day in which rainfall recorded for that day is 0.2mm or more.

Review: 1 – 31 January 2017

5          Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in January 2017 with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the northeast and occasionally from the northwest.

6          The region experienced two episodes of monsoon surge[2] in the second half of January 2017. The first monsoon surge on 22-24 January 2017 brought overcast and occasionally windy conditions with periods of widespread moderate to heavy showers to Singapore. Over the Lunar New Year weekend on 28-29 January 2017, the second monsoon surge brought widespread showers mostly over the sea areas south and east of Singapore, while brief light to moderate afternoon showers fell over the island. For most other days in January 2017, Singapore experienced thundery showers in the afternoon. The highest total daily rainfall recorded during the month was 106.0mm around the Kallang area on 23 January 2017.

7          In January 2017, the daily maximum temperatures ranged between 25.9°C and 35.1°C, and the daily minimum temperatures ranged between 21.7°C and 25.4°C. While cooler temperatures were recorded in the second half of the month due to rainy weather, there were some warm days during the month as well. At the Changi climate station, the daily maximum temperature of 33.7°C recorded on 8 January 2017 surpassed the record highest daily maximum temperature for January by 0.1°C set on 27 January 1998. In addition, the mean monthly temperature of 26.9°C for January 2017 is 0.4°C above the long-term mean for January.

8          There were 21 rain days recorded for the month at the Changi climate station, which is significantly higher than the long-term average of 13 rain days for January. Despite the high number of rain days, the monthly rainfall recorded at the climate station in January 2017 was near normal as the rain was less heavy compared to other parts of the island. Most parts of Singapore received above normal rainfall in January 2017. The highest rainfall of 389.4mm (70% above average) was recorded around Paya Lebar area. Rainfall was lowest around Clementi where 177.6mm (18% below average) was recorded.

[2] A monsoon surge refers to a strengthening of winds over the South China Sea, causing extensive rainclouds to form over our surrounding region.

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