Category Archives: News

Occasionally windy and cooler temperatures expected towards mid-December 2015

Advisory

Singapore, 1 December 2015 – In the next fortnight, Northeast Monsoon conditions are forecast to prevail over the region with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the northeast or northwest.

2. During this period, short-duration thundery showers are expected mostly in the afternoon and early evening on 6 to 8 days due to convergence of winds coupled with strong solar heating of land areas. In addition, a strengthening of monsoon winds in the region in the latter half of the fortnight could bring periods of moderate to heavy rain on 1 to 2 days with occasionally windy conditions and cooler temperatures. The temperature range for the fortnight is forecast to be between 22 and 33 degrees Celsius.

3. Based on long-term statistics, December is the wettest month in the year. The rainfall for the first fortnight of December 2015 is likely to be near normal.

Review of 1 – 30 November 2015

4. Inter-Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in November 2015. The light and variable low level winds gradually strengthened around the end of the month to blow from the northeast or northwest.

5. Singapore experienced thundery showers in the afternoon and early evening on most days in November 2015 due to strong solar heating of land areas and convergence of winds over the region. The thundery showers were heaviest on 17 November 2015 where the highest total daily rainfall recorded was 68.4 mm around the Queenstown area. In addition, there were a few warm days where the highest daily maximum temperature recorded ranged between 34.5 and 34.9 degrees Celsius. On a few rain days, the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded was between 22.7 and 23.1 degrees Celsius.

6. About half of Singapore received above average rainfall in November 2015. The highest rainfall of 331 mm to 376 mm (20% to 40% above average) was recorded in the central and northern parts of Singapore around Toa Payoh and Woodlands respectively. The eastern part of the island around Tanah Merah received the lowest rainfall where 61 mm to 112 mm (60% to 80% below average) was recorded.

Near normal rainfall for November 2015

Advisory

Singapore, 16 November 2015 – In the next fortnight, Inter-Monsoon conditions are expected to prevail, and low level winds are forecast to be predominantly light and variable in direction.

2. During the outlook period, more rainfall can be expected compared to the first half of November 2015. Thundery showers are forecast mostly in the afternoon on 6 to 8 days. The showers may be heavy at times, especially when there is convergence of winds coupled with strong solar heating of land areas. The maximum daily temperature is forecast to be between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius. .

3. Based on long-term statistics, November is the second wettest month in the year after December. Rainfall for November 2015 is likely to be near normal.

Review of 1 – 15 November 2015

4. Inter-Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore in the first fortnight of November 2015, with low level winds generally light and variable in direction.

5. During the review period, Singapore experienced moderate to heavy thundery showers mostly in the afternoon due to the light wind conditions coupled with strong heating of land areas during the day. The showers were heaviest on 7 November 2015, where the highest total daily rainfall recorded was 62.4mm in the Jurong area. There were a few warm days where the highest daily maximum temperature recorded ranged between 34.1 and 34.9 degrees Celsius. On a few rain days, the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded was between 23.2 and 23.9 degrees Celsius.

6. Most parts of Singapore received below average rainfall during the first fortnight of November 2015. Less than 20mm rainfall (85 per cent below average) was recorded over the eastern part of Singapore around Changi. Rainfall was highest over the central part of the island around Lower Peirce Reservoir where 140 mm to 170 mm (0 to 25 per cent above average) of rain was recorded.

Short-duration thundery showers mostly in the afternoon

Advisory

Singapore, 2 November 2015 – In the next fortnight, Inter-Monsoon conditions are expected to prevail. Low level winds are forecast to be predominantly light and variable in direction.

2. For the first fortnight of November 2015, short-duration thundery showers are forecast mostly in the afternoon on 6 to 8 days. The showers may be heavy at times, especially when there is convergence of winds coupled with strong solar heating of land areas. In addition, dry and warm weather conditions can be expected on a few days. The maximum daily temperature is forecast to be between 33 and 34 degrees Celsius.

3. Based on long-term statistics, November is the second wettest month in the year, after December. The rainfall for the first fortnight of November 2015 is likely to be near normal.

Review of 1 – 31 October 2015

4. Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed in the region in early October 2015 and transitioned to Inter-monsoon conditions in the last week of the month. Towards the end of October 2015, the low level winds gradually weakened and became light and variable in direction.

5. Most of the showers fell in the first and last week of October 2015, and rainfall was heaviest on 2 October 2015 where the highest daily rainfall recorded was 84mm in the western part of the island, around Tuas. On 28 October 2015, widespread thundery showers affected Singapore in the pre-dawn and morning due to convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. Dry and warm weather conditions prevailed mostly in the second and third week of the month, where the highest daily maximum temperature recorded ranged between 34.6 and 35.1 degrees Celsius. The lowest daily minimum temperature recorded this month was between 21.6 and 22.9 degrees Celsius, which occurred on days when it rained.

6. Singapore received below average rainfall in October 2015. The lowest rainfall of 52mm and 60mm (65 to 75% below average) was recorded over the eastern part of Singapore around Paya Lebar. Rainfall was highest over the western part of the island around Tuas where 151mm to 176mm (0 to 25% above average) of rain was recorded.

7. October 2015 marked the fifth consecutive month since June 2015 where the monthly total rainfall averaged across all rainfall stations island wide was significantly below the long-term monthly average. For the Changi climate station, except for August 2015, the monthly total rainfall has been below average since January 2015, ranging from 26% to 88% below the long-term monthly average.

Wetter weather expected towards end of the month

Advisory

Singapore, 16 October 2015 – For the second fortnight of October 2015, generally dry and warm weather conditions can be experienced on some days. The maximum daily temperature is forecast to be between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius. Towards the end of the month, wetter weather conditions are expected with afternoon thundery showers on 4 to 6 days due to strong daytime heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding region.

2. The Southwest Monsoon season is forecast to transition to the Inter-Monsoon period towards end October 2015. The prevailing southwesterly winds are expected to weaken and become light and variable in direction in the coming weeks.

3. The rainfall for October 2015 is likely to be below normal.

Review of 1 – 15 October 2015

4. Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed in the first fortnight of October 2015, with low level winds blowing mainly from the southeast or southwest.

5. During the review period, thundery showers affected the island mainly in the late morning and afternoon. Most of the showers fell in the first week of the month, and rainfall was heaviest on 2 October 2015 where the highest daily rainfall recorded was 84mm in the western part of the island around Tuas. In the second week of October 2015, dry and warm weather conditions prevailed. The highest daily maximum temperature recorded in the first fortnight of October 2015 ranged from 34.4 to 35.0 degrees Celsius and on a few wet days, the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded was between 22.8 and 23.9 degrees Celsius.

6. Most parts of Singapore received below average rainfall in the first fortnight of October 2015. The lowest rainfall of 14mm and 28mm (70 to 90% below average) was recorded around the Woodlands, Sentosa and Buangkok areas. Rainfall was highest over the western part of the island around Tuas where 103mm to 125mm (10 to 30% above average) of rain was recorded.

STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER since 1869 (CLIMATE STATION)

Average rainfall for the month — 193.5 mm
Highest rainfall ever recorded — 497.1 mm (1942)
Lowest rainfall ever recorded — 10.8 mm (2002)
Average number of rain days — 16
Average daily maximum temperature — 31.1 degrees Celsius
Average daily minimum temperature — 24.1 degrees Celsius

– End –

Some showers mainly in late morning and afternoon

Advisory

Singapore, 1 October 2015 – Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to prevail with low level winds blowing predominantly from southeast or south-southwest.

2. For the first fortnight of October 2015, short-duration thundery showers are likely on 4 to 6 days, mostly in the late morning and afternoon. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected on 1 or 2 days in the pre-dawn hours and early morning. Maximum temperatures of around 34 degrees Celsius can be expected on a few days.

3. The rainfall for the first fortnight of October 2015 is likely to be below normal.

Review of 1 – 30 September 2015

4. Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed in September 2015, with low level winds blowing from the southeast or southwest

5. During the review period, thundery showers affected the island on some days mostly in the late morning and afternoon. The heaviest rainfall occurred on 15 September 2015 where the highest recorded one-day rainfall was 93mm in the western part of Singapore around Tuas. The heavy rain was due to strong convergence of winds over the region. The highest daily maximum temperature recorded in September 2015 ranged from 34.2 to 34.5 degrees Celsius and on a few wet days, the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded was between 22.7 and 23.1 degrees Celsius.

6. Most parts of Singapore received below average rainfall in September 2015. The lowest rainfall of 42mm and 68mm (60 to 75% below average) was recorded over the southeast and east areas of Singapore around Kallang and Changi. Rainfall was highest over the western part of the island around Tuas and northeastern part of Singapore around Seletar, where 190mm to 230mm (10 to 35% above average) of rain was recorded.

STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER since 1869 (CLIMATE STATION)

Average rainfall for the month — 193.5 mm
Highest rainfall ever recorded — 497.1 mm (1942)
Lowest rainfall ever recorded — 10.8 mm (2002)
Average number of rain days — 16
Average daily maximum temperature — 31.1 degrees Celsius
Average daily minimum temperature — 24.1 degrees Celsius

– End –

Short-duration thundery showers on some days

Advisory

Singapore, 16 September 2015 – Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to prevail with low level winds blowing predominantly from southeast or south-southwest.

2. In the second fortnight of September 2015, short duration thundery showers are likely on 3 to 5 days, mostly in the late morning and early afternoon. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected on 1 or 2 days in the pre-dawn hours and early morning. Maximum temperatures of around 34 degrees Celsius can be expected on a few days.

3. As dry weather conditions are expected to persist in the region, Singapore could experience hazy conditions on some days if unfavourable winds blow in smoke haze from the surrounding region.

4. The rainfall for September 2015 is expected to be below normal.

Review of 1 – 15 September 2015

5. Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed in the first fortnight of September 2015. During the period, the low level winds blew from the southeast or southwest.

6. In the first fortnight of September 2015, Singapore experienced hazy conditions due to smoke haze from fires in Sumatra that were blown in by the prevailing south to southwesterly winds. Thundery showers affected the island between the late morning and early afternoon on a few days. The highest daily total rainfall recorded for the period was 80mm on 9 September 2015 in the western part of Singapore around Chua Chu Kang. In the first two weeks of September 2015, the highest daily maximum temperature recorded ranged between 34.2 and 34.7 degrees Celsius, and on a few wet days, the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded was between 22.4 and 22.7 degrees Celsius.

7. During the review period, most parts of Singapore received below average rainfall. The lowest rainfall of 10mm and 34mm (60 to 90% below average) was recorded over the northern and central parts of Singapore around Yishun and Serangoon. Rainfall was highest over the western part the island around Jurong and Tuas, where 111mm to 171mm (60 to 90% above average) of rain was recorded.

STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER since 1869 (CLIMATE STATION)

Average rainfall for the month — 168.8 mm
Highest rainfall ever recorded — 440.4 mm (1988)
Lowest rainfall ever recorded — 23.7 mm (1994)
Average number of rain days — 14
Average daily maximum temperature — 30.9 degrees Celsius
Average daily minimum temperature — 24.3 degrees Celsius

– End –

Singapore, 14 September 2015 – The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) has launched a mobile weather website to make it easier for users of mobile devices to obtain weather information on the go. The mobile website, accessible at weather.gov.sg/mobile, gives users access to the latest national weather forecasts and warnings, and island-wide observations of rainfall, temperature, humidity and wind.

2.  The website can detect a user’s location to automatically display the 2-hour nowcast for his current location. Favourite nowcast locations can also be set up for quick access. The website includes MSS’ popular rain radar information where users can view the current rain areas over the island and up to 240 km away from Singapore.

3.  The new mobile weather website replaces MSS’ Weather@SG which has been in service since 2011. MSS is currently developing weather apps for the Android and Apple iOS platforms, which are scheduled to be released later this year.

-End-

Singapore, 3 September 2015 – Singapore has been experiencing hazy conditions since early this morning. As at 2pm today, the 24-hr PSI was 80-88, in the Moderate range and the 1-hour PM2.5 was 47-69 µg/m3. The air quality is expected to move into the low end of the Unhealthy range over the next few hours.

2 The haziness is due to the spread of smoke haze from Sumatra under weakening wind conditions over Singapore. The latest satellite image today shows persisting widespread moderate to dense smoke haze in central and southern Sumatra. For the rest of today, the current hazy conditions are expected to persist. The 24-hour PSI for today is expected to be in the low end of the Unhealthy range.

3  For the next few days, the hotspot and haze situation in Sumatra is not likely to change significantly under the current dry weather conditions. Occasional hazy conditions can thus be expected to persist for the next one to two days. Conditions will improve should the wind speeds pick up. However, the haze situation in Singapore may also deteriorate if the prevailing winds shift to blow from the south or southwest.

4 The Chief Executive Officer of the National Environment Agency (NEA), Mr Ronnie Tay, wrote to his Indonesian counterpart two days ago to register Singapore’s concerns over the situation and to seek an urgent update on the ground situation. NEA also reiterated Singapore’s offer to Indonesia of its assistance package to help combat the haze problem there. NEA had first contacted them two weeks ago in view of the deteriorating hotspot situation in Sumatra then, and will continue to be in touch with them going forward.

5  With the escalation of hotspot activities over Sumatra, the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) advised on 1 September 2015 that the conditions/trigger points for Alert Level 3¹ for Sumatra had been met. Alert Level 3 is raised when there are 250 or more hotspots detected on two consecutive days with dry weather conditions persisting and prevailing winds blowing towards other ASEAN countries. A total of 395 hotspots were detected in Sumatra yesterday.

6 The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy persons should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.

7  In response to public queries on participating in outdoor activities and open-air meetings, NEA advises the public to refer to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) advisory (http://bit.ly/1NOA1WJ), as well as NEA’s daily haze situation update.

8  NEA will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue updates as the need arises. For more information, visit our NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) and NEA Twitter (@NEAsg), or download the myENV app.

                                                                   – End –

¹The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) has a regional warning system for the fire and haze situation based on three levels of alert. Alert Level 1 signifies the start of the dry season; Level 2 is activated when 150 hotspots or more are detected on two consecutive days, with dry weather conditions persisting and prevailing winds blowing towards other ASEAN countries. Alert Level 3 is when there are 250 or more hotspots detected on two consecutive days with dry weather conditions persisting and prevailing winds blowing towards other ASEAN countries. The alert levels are issued to the interim ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution at the ASEAN Secretariat, which in turn disseminates it to the ASEAN member countries.

Slight to moderate haze conditions on some days if winds shift to blow from south or southwest

Advisory

Singapore, 1 September 2015 – Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to prevail during the first fortnight with low level winds blowing predominantly from southeast or south-southwest.

2.   In the first fortnight of September 2015, some warm days can be expected with maximum temperatures of around 34 degrees Celsius. Short-duration thundery showers are likely on 3 to 5 days, mostly in the late morning and early afternoon. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected on 1 or 2 days in the morning.

3.   As periods of consecutive dry days can be expected over the region, Singapore could experience slight to moderate hazy conditions on a few days if the prevailing winds shift to blow from the south or southwest.

4.  The rainfall for the first fortnight of September 2015 is expected to be below-normal.

Review of 1 – 31 August 2015

5.   Southwest-Monsoon conditions prevailed in August 2015. During the period, the low level winds blew from the southeast or south-southwest.

6.   In the first fortnight of August 2015, Singapore experienced wet weather conditions on most days. Thundery showers with gusty winds affected the island on a few mornings due to the passage of a Sumatra squall during the period. In the last two weeks of the month, the weather in Singapore was mostly dry and warm. For August 2015, the highest daily maximum temperature recorded on some days was between 34.5 and 34.8 degrees Celsius. On a few wet days during the month, the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded was between 21.6 and 21.9 degree Celsius.

7.   For several days in the second half of August 2015, Singapore experienced slightly hazy conditions due to smoke haze from fires in Sumatra that were blown in by the prevailing south to southwesterly winds.

8.  In August 2015, most parts of Singapore received below-average rainfall. The lowest rainfall of 78mm and 102mm (45 to 60% below average) was recorded over the northern part of Singapore around Admiralty. Rainfall was highest over the southern and eastern parts the island around Newton and Simei respectively, where 220mm to 244mm (15 to 30% above average) of rain was recorded.

STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER since 1869 (CLIMATE STATION)

Average rainfall for the month — 168.8 mm
Highest rainfall ever recorded — 440.4 mm (1988)
Lowest rainfall ever recorded — 23.7 mm (1994)
Average number of rain days — 14
Average daily maximum temperature — 30.9 degrees Celsius
Average daily minimum temperature — 24.3 degrees Celsius

– End –

Expect Sumatra squalls and slight haze on a few days

Advisory

Singapore, 17 August 2015 – The prevailing Southwest Monsoon conditions are expected to persist for the rest of August 2015, and the low level winds are forecast to blow from the southeast or southwest.

2.   For the second half of August 2015, some warm days with maximum day-time temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius can be expected in the afternoon. Short-duration thundery showers due to strong solar heating of land areas are likely on three to five days, mostly in the late morning and early afternoon. In addition, thundery showers with gusty winds due to Sumatra squalls can be expected on one to two days in the pre-dawn and morning.

3.   As periods of consecutive dry days are common in the region during the Southwest Monsoon season, Singapore could experience slightly hazy conditions on a few days.

4.   The rainfall for the August 2015 is expected to be slightly below normal.

Review of 1 – 16 August 2015

5.   Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed during the first fortnight of August 2015 with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the southeast or southwest.

6.   During the review period, there were a few warm days with the daily maximum temperature of around 34 degrees Celsius, as well as some wet days where the daily minimum temperatures fell to between 22 and 23 degrees Celsius. On several days in the first fortnight of August 2015, Singapore experienced moderate to heavy thundery showers with gusty winds due to the passage of Sumatra squalls and strong convergence of winds over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. In particular, the thundery showers on 12 August 2015 brought heavy rainfall over the north-eastern part of the island where the highest total rainfall of 71.6mm was recorded over Pulau Ubin.

7.   During the first fortnight of August 2015, the southern half of Singapore received above average rainfall. The highest rainfall of 150 mm to 180 mm (65% to 90% above average) was recorded over the south-western and eastern parts of the island around Boon Lay and Tampines respectively. The lowest rainfall of 50 mm to 70 mm (25% to 50% below average) was recorded over the northern and central parts of Singapore around Sembawang and Bishan respectively.

STATISTICS FOR AUGUST since 1869 (CLIMATE STATION)

Average rainfall for the month — 175.4 mm
Highest rainfall ever recorded — 526.8 mm (1878)
Lowest rainfall ever recorded — 18 mm (1888)
Average number of rain days — 14
Average daily maximum temperature — 30.9 degrees Celsius
Average daily minimum temperature — 24.5 degrees Celsius

– End –