Category Archives: News

Thundery showers are still expected on some days

Advisory

Singapore, 1 August 2016 –  Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to persist in August 2016 with the low level winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest.

2          In the first fortnight of August 2016, short-duration thundery showers due to strong solar heating of land areas are forecast to occur in the late morning and early afternoon on four to five days. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls are likely on one to two days in the pre-dawn and morning. Rainfall for the first fortnight of August 2016 is expected to be slightly below normal.

3          Compared to the weather conditions in the second half July 2016, the first fortnight of August 2016 is expected to be generally drier and warmer. The daily maximum temperatures for the next fortnight is forecast to range between 33°C and 34°C, and could reach around 35°C on a few days.

REVIEW (1 – 31 July 2016)

4          Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in July 2016, with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the southeast or southwest.

5          Singapore experienced several warm days in the first half of July 2016, when the daily maximum temperatures ranged between 30.2°C and 36°C. With wetter weather in the second half of the month, it was a relatively cooler fortnight with the daily maximum temperatures ranging between 28.8°C and 34.7°C. At the Changi climate station, the mean monthly temperature recorded for July 2016 was 28.4°C, warmer than the long-term mean of 27.9°C for July.

6          Singapore experienced relatively wet conditions in July 2016 as a result of strong convergence of winds in the surrounding region as well as the passage of Sumatra squalls on several days. The heaviest rain fell on 21 July 2016 and brought a daily rainfall of 96.8mm to the East Coast area.

7          Almost all parts of Singapore received above normal rainfall in July 2016. The highest rainfall of 426mm (120% above average) was recorded over the western part of the island around Tengah. Rainfall was lowest around Buangkok where 146.6mm (16% below average) was recorded.

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

New record for highest 1-day total rainfall in June 2016 

Advisory

Singapore, 1 July 2016 –   The prevailing Southwest Monsoon conditions will continue in the first fortnight of July 2016, and the low level winds are expected to blow mainly from the southeast or southwest.

2          In the first half of July 2016, most of the thundery showers due to strong solar heating of land areas are forecast to occur in the late morning and early afternoon on 4 to 6 days. In addition, on one or two mornings, the passage of a Sumatra squall is expected to bring thundery showers with gusty winds to most parts of the island. The rainfall for the first fortnight of July 2016 is likely to be normal.

3          In the first fortnight of July 2016, some days of dry and warm weather conditions can be expected. On these days, the daily maximum temperature could reach a high of 35°C. For other days, the daily maximum temperature is forecast to range between 32°C and 34°C.

REVIEW (1 – 30 June 2016)

4          In June 2016, the region experienced Southwest Monsoon conditions with low level winds blowing predominantly from the south-southeast or southwest.

5          Singapore experienced a few warm days with low rainfall in the last week of June 2016. On 29 June 2016, the daily maximum temperature reached 35.70C, the highest temperature recorded for June 2016. Daily minimum temperatures of between 22.2°C and 22.5°C were recorded on a few days when there was widespread rain. At the Changi climate station, the mean monthly temperature recorded for June 2016 was 28.5°C, which is slightly warmer than the long-term mean of 28.3°C for June but cooler than the mean temperature of 29.0°C for June recorded in the last three years.

6          In the first three weeks of June 2016, most of the thundery showers which were due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with the convergence of winds over Singapore occurred in the late morning and afternoon. On a few days during this period, the passage of Sumatra squalls brought moderate to heavy thundery showers to many parts of Singapore in the pre-dawn hours and morning. On 17 June 2016, the heavy thundery showers that fell over Tuas recorded a daily total rainfall of 217mm, the highest ever recorded for the month of June. The previous highest daily total rainfall record for June was 144.6mm on 4 June 2011 at Pasir Ris.

7       Most parts of Singapore received above average rainfall in June 2016. The highest rainfall of 374.2mm (126% above average) was recorded around Jurong. Rainfall was lowest around Admiralty where 116mm (19% below average) was recorded.

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

Near average rainfall expected for June

Advisory

Singapore, 16 June 2016 – The Southwest Monsoon conditions which set in during the first half of June 2016 are expected to persist into the second fortnight of June 2016. During this period, the low level winds are forecast to blow mainly from the southeast or southwest.

2          In the second half of June 2016, short-duration thundery showers can be expected mostly in the late morning and afternoon on five to seven days, due to strong day time convective heating and convergence of winds around Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. In addition, widespread thundery showers with occasional gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls, are likely in the predawn hours and morning on one to two days. The rainfall for June 2016 is likely to be near average.

3          During the outlook period, the daily maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 32°C and 33°C, reaching around 34°C on a few days. This is within the typical daily maximum temperature range for June.

REVIEW (1 – 15 June 2016)

4          Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed in the region in the first fortnight of June 2016 with the low level winds blowing from the southeast or southwest.

5          During the review period, the highest daily maximum temperature recorded was 34.6°C over the north-eastern part of Singapore around the Seletar area. On days when there was rainfall, the lowest recorded daily minimum temperature fell to between 22°C and 23°C.  As of 15 June 2016, the mean monthly temperature recorded at the Changi climate station was 28.6°C, slightly warmer than the June long-term mean of 28.3°C.

6          Thundery showers in the late morning and early afternoon were experienced over Singapore on most days in the first two weeks of June 2016.  The showers were due to strong heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. The heaviest rain fell on 2 June 2016 and brought a total of 86.6mm of rainfall to the Seletar area.

7          Most parts of Singapore received above average rainfall in the first half of June 2016. The highest rainfall of 222mm (187% above average) was recorded around Seletar. Rainfall was lowest around Sentosa where 46.8mm (31% below average) was recorded.

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

Near normal weather conditions expected with end of the El Nino

Advisory

Singapore, 1 June 2016 – In the first half of June 2016, the prevailing low level winds are forecast to blow predominantly from the southeast or southwest. This signals the start of the Southwest Monsoon season which typically extends from June to September/early October.

2      In the first fortnight of June 2016, short-duration thundery showers can be expected mostly in the late morning and early afternoon on five to seven days due to strong solar heating of land areas and convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls are likely on one to two days in the pre-dawn and morning. Rainfall for the first fortnight of June 2016 is expected to be slightly below average.

3      During the outlook period, daily maximum temperatures of between 32°C and 33°C are expected on most days, and could reach around 34°C on a few days. During the Southwest Monsoon season, the nights can be relatively warm, in particular on non-rain days. This usually occurs when the winds are light and blow from the southeast, bringing in warm, humid air from the sea toward the land.

4      With the weakening of the El Nino to neutral conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, close to normal rainfall and temperatures can be expected for Singapore in the next one or two months. However international climate centres forecast that a La Nina could develop in the later part of the year, and this usually brings above average rainfall to our surrounding region.

REVIEW (1 – 31 May 2016)

5      Inter-Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in May 2016. Towards the end of the month, the prevailing light and variable winds gradually strengthened and blew from the southeast or southwest, indicating a transition to Southwest Monsoon conditions.

6      In the first fortnight of May 2016, the days were significantly warmer than usual and the highest daily maximum temperature ranged between 32.8°C and 36.1°C. An increase in the occurrence of rain showers in the second half of May 2016 brought cooler days with the daily maximum temperature ranging between 31.2°C and 35.4°C. Despite the cooler conditions in the second half of the month, the mean monthly temperature of 29.3°C for May 2016 recorded at the Changi climate station was still 1.0°C warmer than the long term mean temperature for May. May 2016 was the second warmest May since Singapore temperature records began in 1929, tying with the record set in May 1997.

7      On most days in May 2016, the thundery showers in the afternoon were due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with the convergence of winds over Singapore. In the later part of the month, the presence of the monsoon rain band close to Singapore coupled with the presence of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and southern China, led to the passage of Sumatra squalls which brought widespread thundery showers and gusty winds to Singapore between midnight and early morning on some days. The showers were heaviest on 11 May 2016 where the highest daily rainfall total recorded was 99.8mm around Yishun.

8      Most parts of Singapore received above average rainfall in May 2016. The highest rainfall of 341mm (61% above average) was recorded around Seletar. Rainfall was lowest around Clementi where 165mm (30% below average) was recorded. The mean rainfall recorded at the climate station in May 2016 was 194.2mm, about 23mm above the long-term mean rainfall for May of 171.2mm.

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

Short-duration thundery showers on most days

Advisory

Singapore, 16  May 2016 –  Inter-monsoon conditions are expected to prevail in the second half of May 2016. During the period, the prevailing light and variable low level winds are forecast to gradually strengthen to blow from the southeast or south-southwest.

2 In the next fortnight, Singapore is likely to experience short-duration thundery showers mostly in the late morning and afternoon on six to eight days. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected in the morning on one or two days. The rainfall for May 2016 is expected to be average.

3 The warm conditions experienced in the first fortnight of May 2016 can still be expected on a few days in the second half of May 2016. However, the temperatures are not likely to be as high as that experienced in the first fortnight of the month due to the expected occurrence of showers on most days. For the rest of May 2016, the daily maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 33°C and 34°C on most days and could reach a high of around 35°C on a few days.

Review: 1 – 15 May 2016

4 Inter-monsoon conditions prevailed in first fortnight of May 2016. During the period, the prevailing low level winds were generally light and variable in direction.

5 During the review period, the first eleven days were generally warm where the highest daily maximum temperature ranged between 35°C and 36.1°C, with the highest temperature recorded at Seletar on 6 May 2016. As of 15 May 2016, the daily mean temperature recorded at the Changi climate station was 29.6°C, which is 1.3°C above the long-term mean for May.

6 The showers that fell over parts of the island in the afternoon on most days during the first fortnight of May 2016 were due to strong heating of land areas coupled with the convergence of winds over Singapore. The thundery showers on 11 May 2016 were particularly heavy with the highest daily rainfall of 99.8mm recorded. For the past four days, the showers that fell over many parts of the island brought some relief to the warm conditions, and the highest daily maximum temperature ranged between 31.8°C and 34.7°C.

7 About two-thirds of Singapore received above average rainfall in the first fortnight of May 2016. The highest rainfall of 192.4mm (83% above average) was recorded around Bukit Panjang. Rainfall was lowest around Changi where 25.8mm (67% below average) was recorded.

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

Singapore, 6 May 2016 – Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) has confirmed that April 2016 is the warmest April on record in Singapore, with a mean monthly temperature of 29.4 degrees Celsius. April 2016 also tied with May 1998 as the second warmest month on record. The warmest ever recorded month since 1929 was March 1998, with a mean monthly temperature of 29.5 Celsius.

2. The record temperatures in April 2016 are a continuation of the very warm conditions experienced this year. The strong El Nino that peaked at the end of 2015 has been a key contributing factor to the high temperatures. Collectively, the first four months of 2016 is the warmest ever January-April period since 2010, and the second warmest after 1998. The temperatures during that period in 2010 and 1998 were also strongly influenced by an El Nino.

3. For the first five days of May 2016, the daily average temperature recorded at the Changi climate station was 29.9 degrees Celsius, which is 1.6 degrees Celsius above the long-term mean for May. The current high temperatures are forecast to ease slightly over the weekend, and are expected to prevail again on a few days in the coming week.

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

April 2016 on track to be the warmest April on record

Advisory

Singapore, 29 April 2016 – For May 2016, inter-monsoon conditions are expected to persist over the region. The prevailing low level winds will continue to be light and variable in direction.

2. In the first fortnight of May 2016, short-duration thundery showers can be expected mostly in the afternoon on seven to nine days due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with wind convergence. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to a Sumatra squall can be expected in the pre-dawn and morning on one or two days. The rainfall for first fortnight of the month is expected to be near average.

3. Climatologically, May is the second warmest month of the year after April. The warm conditions experienced in Singapore in April 2016 can still be experienced on some days in the first half of May 2016. The daily maximum temperatures during this period are expected to range between 33°C and 35°C on most days.

Review (1 – 28 April 2016)

4. Inter-Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in April 2016, with low level winds generally light and variable in direction.

5. Singapore experienced significantly warmer temperatures over many parts of the island in April 2016, with the highest daily maximum temperatures exceeding 34°C on most days. As of 28 April 2016, the mean monthly temperature for the month is 29.5°C, 0.3°C above than the highest ever mean monthly temperature for April recorded in 1998. April 2016 is thus on track to be the warmest ever April in Singapore since temperature records started in 1929. In addition, the daily maximum temperature of 36.7°C recorded at Seletar on 13 April 2016 was the second highest ever recorded temperature in Singapore. For the month to date, the highest daily maximum temperature reached 35°C or above on 13 days.

6. During the review period, the light wind conditions coupled with strong solar heating resulted in the development of moderate to heavy thundery showers in the late morning and afternoon on some days. The thundery showers on 3 and 20 April were particularly heavy with the highest daily rainfall total of 111.4mm and 104.6mm recorded at Upper Pierce Reservoir and Jurong areas respectively. Despite the showers on many days, both daytime and night time temperatures have been significantly high in April 2016.

7. Almost all parts of Singapore received below average rainfall in April 2016. Rainfall was lowest around Seletar, where 80.6mm (63% below average) was recorded. The highest rainfall of 243.2mm (13% above average) was recorded around Ang Mo Kio.

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

Public can take measures to minimise risk of heat-induced illnesses during warm weather

Advisory

Singapore, 20 April 2016 – As forecast in Meteorological Service Singapore’s (MSS) fortnightly weather outlook issued on 15 April 2016, Singapore has been experiencing significantly warmer temperatures over many parts of the island in the past few days. On 17 and 18 April 2016, the daily maximum temperatures recorded at weather stations islandwide ranged between 31.4°C and 36.4°C and between 31.3°C and 35.8°C respectively. The highest daily maximum temperature recorded yesterday was 36°C and as of 3pm today it was 35.1°C. Both were recorded at Choa Chu Kang.

2          Very high daily mean temperatures were also recorded in the past few days. The highest daily mean temperature on 17 and 18 April 2016 was 30.3°C and 30.9°C respectively (at Tai Seng on both days). On 19 April 2016, 31.3°C was recorded at Pasir Panjang, the highest daily mean temperature recorded so far this year. At the Changi climate station, the daily mean temperature on 19 April 2016 was 30.6°C, surpassing the highest ever recorded daily mean temperature of 30.2°C on 22 June 2015. The long-term mean monthly temperature for April is 28.0°C.

3          Warm temperatures are common during the Inter-monsoon months of April and May when there is strong solar heating and the winds are generally light. In addition, the prevailing strong-to-moderate El Nino is a contributing factor to the current warm conditions. Climatologically, April is the warmest month of the year. Despite the current warm conditions, the temperature in Singapore is not likely to reach 40°C (as experienced recently in northern Peninsular Malaysia), due to the moderating effect of our surrounding seas on the temperature.

4          For the rest of the week, Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) forecasts that high temperatures can still be expected, although a gradual easing is likely. Localised thundery showers are expected in the afternoon. Closer to the weekend, more showers may be expected, which would bring a brief respite to the current warm conditions.

5          Various government agencies have provided general advisories, measures and precautions that stakeholders can take to minimise the risk of heat-induced illnesses during periods of warm weather, such as those pertaining to schools, elderly homes, employers and employees, and the general public. Please refer to Annex A for these advisories.

–End–

ANNEX A

Advisories for Warm Weather

Advisory for General Public   

1          To minimise the risk of heat-induced illnesses during warm weather, the public are encouraged to take the following precautionary measures:

• Wear loose-fitting, heat permeable and light coloured clothing;
• Drink fluids to stay hydrated;
• Take more breaks between activities;
• Reduce outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day or stay in the shade;
• Sponge with cool or ice water;
• Plan sport and exercise activities during the cooler hours of the day; and
• Watch for early symptoms of heat-induced illness and seek medical attention if the condition persists or worsens.

2          Symptoms of heat-induced illness include headache, nausea, dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, poor concentration, muscle ache, muscle cramps, blurred vision, loss of co-ordination, disorientation or confusion, seizures or fits, vomiting, and decreased and dark-coloured urine.

Advisory for Schools, Child Care Centres, Kindergartens and Homes 

3          Sustained outdoor activities should be minimised during the hotter period of the day and the intensity of these activities moderated. Staff and students are encouraged to drink appropriate amount of fluids to prevent heat injuries, with appropriate rest and water breaks considered.

4          Centres/homes can consider the following measures when conducting outdoor physical activities:

• Encourage children to drink appropriate amount of fluids (preferably plain water) before, during and after exercise to prevent heat injuries. Drinking water should always be made available to the children.
• Keep outdoor activities short and with frequent rest breaks during hot weather. Alternatively, these sessions could be conducted in well-ventilated indoor facilities.
• Minimise sustained activities in the outdoors during the hottest part of the day (between 11am – 4pm) as the ultraviolet (UV) and heat stress levels are generally high during this period. If activities have to be carried out in the outdoors during this period, additional measures should be put in place, such as appropriate rest periods; water breaks and shades, as well as moderating the intensity of the activities to mitigate the effect of heat.

5          Voluntary children’s homes and juvenile rehabilitation centres should ensure accessibility of the water point area. The home staff should take additional steps to sprinkle water or create water mist to cool down the hard-court or the venue of recreational or sporting events. Furthermore, home staff should identify vulnerable groups (such as children under 12 years old, pregnant women, residents who are severely obese, on certain medications, chronic illnesses) for closer monitoring.

6          In addition, nursing and care staff in children’s and elderly homes should be updated on the various symptoms of heat injuries and be alert to early signs of heat injury. Residents who are more susceptible to heat injury (such as the frail and elderly) should stay in well-ventilated rooms, and if necessary, be brought to an air-conditioned room, where available, to cool down if likelihood of heat injury is high. If symptoms persist or worsen, nursing and care staff should seek medical attention for them.

Advisory for Employers and Employees

7          Outdoor workers are at an increased risk of developing heat-induced illnesses.  Workplaces and employers should implement the necessary precautionary measures and advise their workers on these measures. Measures to be adopted should include:

• Ensuring that all workers are properly acclimatised to the hot weather/working conditions;
• Scheduling heavy physical work or outdoor work to the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) where possible;
• Providing shaded areas for work and rest;
• Providing cool drinking water at convenient and accessible locations; and
• Encouraging workers to keep themselves hydrated by drinking sufficient water and to wear loose-fitting and light coloured clothing.

8          More information is available at the Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines: Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace at: https://www.wshc.sg

Significantly warm days can still be expected

Advisory

Singapore, 15 April 2016 – Inter-monsoon conditions characterised by low level winds that are light and variable in direction had set in over the region in the second week of April 2016. The conditions are forecast to persist for the rest of April 2016 and into May 2016.

2. In the next fortnight, with the monsoon rain belt forecast to lie close to the equator coupled with strong solar heating of land areas during the day, Singapore is likely to experience short-duration thundery showers mostly in the afternoons on five to seven days. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to a Sumatra squall can be expected in the pre-dawn and morning on one or two days. The rainfall for April 2016 is expected to be near average.

3. Despite the rain showers, some warm days are can still be expected with the daily maximum temperatures ranging between 33°C and 35°C, and could reach a high of up to 36°C on a few days. Warmer conditions are common during the inter-monsoon period when there is strong solar heating and the winds are generally light.

Review (1 – 14 April 2016)

4. In the later part of the first fortnight of April 2016, the low level northeasterly winds in the region weakened to become light and variable in direction signifying a transition from the Northeast Monsoon to inter-monsoon conditions.

5. Singapore experienced significantly warmer conditions in the first two weeks of April 2016, where the highest daily maximum temperature ranged between 34.1°C and 36.7°C. While there were rain showers on many days during this period, the rain brought only brief relief to the warm conditions. On 13 April 2016, 36.7°C was recorded at Seletar, the highest daily maximum temperature recorded so far this year and also the highest in the last ten years. As of 14 April 2016, the mean monthly temperature for April 2016 was 29.4°C, 1.4°C warmer than the long-term mean for April.

6. In the first half of April 2016, rainfall was below average across the island. The highest rainfall of 126mm (near average) was recorded over the western part of Singapore around Jurong. Rainfall was lowest over the northern part of Singapore around Admiralty, where 20mm (82% below average) was recorded. The highest total daily rainfall recorded was 111mm around the Upper Pierce Reservoir area on 3 April 2016 due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with localised wind convergence.

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