Category Archives: Uncategorized

Expect mostly afternoon thundery showers in the first half of January 2017

Singapore, 30 December 2016  – The current Northeast Monsoon conditions over the region are forecast to prevail into the first fortnight of 2017. During this period, the low level winds are forecast to blow mainly from the northeast or northwest.

2          The first fortnight of 2017 is expected to be less wet compared to the rainy weather in the past two weeks. Thundery showers are still expected mostly in the afternoon on five to seven days, and could extend into the evening on a few days. Widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds can also be expected between the predawn and early morning on one or two days. The rainfall for the first half of January 2017 is forecast to be slightly below normal.

3          During the outlook period, the daily maximum temperature on most days is forecast to be around 32°C or 33°C. Some cooler nights are expected, with the daily minimum temperature ranging between 23°C and 24°C.

4          The year 2016 is set to be the hottest year on record in Singapore since temperature records started in 1929. The mean annual temperature recorded at the Changi climate station (as at 29 December 2016) is 28.4°C, exceeding the current record of 28.3°C set in 1997, 1998 and 2015. Temperatures soared in the first half of 2016 due to the effects of a very strong El Niño. The temperatures remained well above the long-term average for the rest of the year. New monthly records for the hottest January, April and August were set in 2016.

5          The annual total rainfall recorded at the Changi climate station (as at 29 December 2016) is 1954mm. This is higher than the 1267mm rainfall recorded in 2015 (the second lowest on record), and 10% below the long-term annual mean of 2166mm (based on reference period 1981-2010).

6         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 – 29 December 2016

7          In December 2016, the region experienced Northeast Monsoon conditions where the low level winds were mostly blowing from the northwest or north.

8          The mean monthly temperature recorded at the Changi climate station (as at 29 December 2016) is 27.4°C, which is 0.3°C lower than the highest ever recorded mean December temperature set in 2015. December 2016 is on track to be the second hottest December on record.

9          Singapore experienced wetter weather conditions in the second half of December 2016 compared to the first half of the month. Most of the thundery showers occurred in the afternoon and evening due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. A high occurrence of Sumatra squalls during the month also brought moderate to heavy thundery showers to many parts of Singapore on several days in the pre-dawn hours and morning. The heaviest rain events occurred on 23 and 24 December 2016, where the highest daily rainfall of 98mm and 86mm was recorded over Bukit Panjang and Tai Seng respectively.

10        Almost all parts of Singapore received below normal rainfall in December 2016. The lowest rainfall of 116.4mm (55% below average) was recorded over the Jurong area. Rainfall was highest around Serangoon where 289.5mm (4% above average) was recorded.

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

Significantly below normal rainfall in first half of Dec 2016

Singapore, 16 December 2016 – Northeast Monsoon conditions are forecast to continue to prevail in the last fortnight of 2016. The low level winds during this period are forecast to blow mostly from the northwest or northeast. In addition, short-duration thundery showers, at times heavy, can be expected on seven to nine days, mostly between the late morning and afternoon.

2          On one or two days in the next fortnight, the presence of low pressure systems over the surrounding sea areas are expected to bring a shift in the low level winds to blow from the southwest or west. This could lead to the development of Sumatra squalls over the Strait of Malacca and bring widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds to Singapore between the predawn and morning. The second half of December 2016 is expected to be wetter than the first fortnight of December 2016. Overall, the rainfall for December 2016 is forecast to be below normal.

3          Although December is one of the cooler months of the year, a few warm days can still be expected. In the next fortnight, the daily maximum temperatures on most days are forecast to be around 32°C or 33°C, and on a few days, the daily maximum temperature could reach a high of 34°C. On some rainy days, the daily minimum temperature could range between 22°C and 24°C.

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), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg) or download the myENV app, MSS’ Weather@SG app.

Review: 1 – 15 December 2016

5          Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region in the first fortnight of December 2016. While the low level winds blew from the northwest on most days, there were some days when the winds were from the southwest or west due to the influence of Tropical Cyclones “Vardah” and “Nada” over the Bay of Bengal.

6          There were a few warm days in the first two weeks of December 2016 where the daily maximum temperature was between 34°C and 35°C. At the Changi climate station, the mean daily maximum temperature recorded in the first half of December 2016 was 31.8°C, which is 1.6°C above the long-term mean for December. In addition, the mean monthly temperature recorded was 27.8°C, which is 1.4°C warmer than the long-term mean for December.

7          In the first fortnight of December 2016, most of the thundery showers over the island occurred between midnight and 6am. These were due to Sumatra squalls moving across the island, coupled with strong convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. In addition, there were a few days of moderate to heavy rainfall over Singapore between the late afternoon and evening due to strong solar heating of land areas. During the period, the heaviest daily rainfall of 45.4mm was recorded on 1 December 2016 around Tuas.

8          For the period from 1 to 15 December 2016, rainfall across Singapore was significantly below normal. The highest rainfall of 128mm (18% below average) was recorded around Changi. Rainfall was lowest around Jurong where 25.2mm (81% below average) was recorded.

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

Expect some warm days in the next fortnight

Singapore, 17 October 2016 – The prevailing Southwest Monsoon is expected to weaken toward the end of October 2016 as the region enters the Inter-Monsoon period. During the coming two weeks, the low level winds are forecast to blow from the southwest before becoming light and variable in direction towards end of the month. Inter-Monsoon conditions are characterised by light and variable winds in the surrounding region.

2        In the second fortnight of October 2016, short-duration thundery showers can be expected on four to six days, mostly in the late morning and early afternoon. In addition, widespread thundery showers with occasional gusty winds are forecast on two or three days between the pre-dawn hours and morning. Rainfall for October 2016 is expected to be slightly below normal.

3        During the period, the maximum daily temperature on most days is forecast to be around 33 or 34°C, and on a few days could reach a high of around 35°C. Warmer conditions are common during the Inter-Monsoon season when there is strong solar heating and the winds are generally light.

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), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg) or download the myENV app, MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW: 1 – 16 October 2016

5         In the first fortnight of October 2016, Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the west, and occasionally from the southwest. The prevailing winds during the review period were partly influenced by the presence of tropical storms in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and northern South China Sea.

6        Singapore experienced a few warm days in the first two weeks of October 2016. At the Changi climate station, the highest daily maximum temperature recorded was 34.6°C (on 11 October 2016). This record ties with the highest ever recorded daily maximum temperature for October (on 29 October 2002). As of 16 October 2016, the mean monthly temperature for October 2016 was 28.8°C, 1.2°C warmer than the long-term mean for October.

7        During the review period, Singapore’s rainfall on most days were from an eastward moving line of thunderstorms known as Sumatra squalls that developed over the western coast of Sumatra or the Strait of Malacca overnight. On the other days that rained, the thundery showers in the late morning and early afternoon were due to strong solar heating of land areas. Rainfall was heaviest on 3 October 2016 over the Buona Vista area where a total of 96.8mm of rainfall was recorded.

8       For the first fortnight of October 2016, rainfall was below average in the northwestern half of Singapore, and above average in the southeastern half of the island. The highest rainfall of 139.2mm (53% above average) was recorded around the Tanjong Katong area. Rainfall was lowest in the western part of the island around the Choa Chu Kang area where 65.8mm (39% below average) was recorded.

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

New climate station temperature record for September

Singapore, 30 September 2016 – Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to continue into the first half of October 2016. The low level winds are expected to blow from the southwest or west and gradually become light and variable in direction towards the end of the outlook period.

2.       During the first half of October 2016, short-duration thundery showers are expected on four to six days mostly in the late morning and afternoon. In addition, widespread thundery showers with occasional gusty winds due to squall lines moving eastwards from the Strait of Malacca, are expected on two or three days between the pre-dawn hours and morning. Rainfall for the first fortnight of October 2016 is expected to be slightly below normal.

3.       The warm temperatures experienced in the last week of September 2016 can still be expected on a few days in the first two weeks of October 2016. During this period, 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.

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), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg) or download the myENV app, MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW: 1 – 29 September 2016

5          In September 2016, Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over the region with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the southwest or west.

6          During the month, Singapore experienced a few warm days, in particular in the last week of the month. At the Changi climate station, the daily maximum temperature recorded on 29 September 2016 was 34.4°C, which exceeds the highest ever recorded daily maximum temperature of 34.3°C (on 15 September 2000) for September.

7          During the review period, lines of thunderstorms or squalls that moved eastwards from the Strait of Malacca brought widespread thundery showers accompanied by gusty winds to Singapore on several days mostly between the early hours and predawn. On a few days, thundery showers due to strong solar heating of land areas affected Singapore mostly in the late morning and early afternoon. Rainfall was heaviest on 14 September 2016 over the Paya Lebar-Macpherson area where a total of 86.6mm of rainfall was recorded.

8          Most parts of Singapore received slightly below normal rainfall in September 2016. The highest rainfall of 216.4mm (23% above average) was recorded around the Telok Blangah area. Rainfall was lowest around Mandai where 86.4mm (57% below average) was recorded.

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

Cooler nights expected on a few days

Singapore, 16 September 2016 – The prevailing Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to persist for the rest of September 2016. During the period, the low level winds are expected to blow mainly from the southwest. With the expected presence of low pressure systems such as tropical storms in our nearby region, the winds could turn to blow from the west on some days.

2       In the second half of September 2016, strong solar heating of land areas could give rise to thundery showers over Singapore on five to seven days, mostly in the late morning and early afternoon. In addition, the development of Sumatra squalls to the west of Singapore is expected to bring widespread thundery showers with occasional gusty winds on two or three days in the pre-dawn hours and morning. Higher rainfall is expected in the second fortnight of this month compared to that in the first fortnight, and the total rainfall for September 2016 is expected to be above normal.

3        For the rest of the month, the daily maximum temperatures on most days are expected to range between 32°C and 33°C. On rainy days, the daily minimum temperature, in particular during the night, would be cooler than normal and range between 22°C and 24°C.

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), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg) or download the myENV app, MSS’ Weather@SG app.

REVIEW: 1 – 15 September 2016

5          In the first half of September 2016, Southwest Monsoon with low level winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest prevailed over the region.

6          During the period, Singapore experienced a few warm days in the first few days of the month where the highest daily maximum temperature recorded was 34.2°C. The lowest daily maximum temperature recorded was 29.4°C on 12 September 2016 when rain fell over the island from the early morning and eased off in the later part of the afternoon. The lowest daily minimum temperature recorded ranged between 21.9°C and 25.8°C.

7          On a few days during the review period, squall lines that developed over Sumatra or the Strait of Malacca passed over Singapore, bringing widespread thundery showers and gusty winds in the pre-dawn hours and morning. Arising from the squally weather, rainfall was heaviest on 14 September 2016 over the Paya Lebar-Macpherson area where a total of 86.6mm of rainfall was recorded. Overall, most of the thundery showers in the first half of the month fell in the late morning and early afternoon, and were due to strong solar heating of land areas.

8          In the first fortnight of September 2016, rainfall was slightly above normal over the central and western parts of Singapore. The highest rainfall of 128.9mm (54% above average) was recorded around the Paya Lebar area. Rainfall was lowest around Sentosa island where 39.8mm (53% below average) was recorded. 

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

A few warm days can still be expected

Advisory

Singapore, 15 July 2016 –  In the second half of July 2016, the weather in Singapore will continue to be influenced by the prevailing Southwest Monsoon season, and the low level winds are forecast to blow mostly from the south-southeast or southwest.

2 Over the next two weeks, Singapore can expect six to eight days of short-duration thundery showers mostly in the late morning and afternoon. On one or two days between the predawn hours and morning, the passage of a Sumatra squall is expected to bring widespread thundery showers with occasional gusty winds to Singapore. The rainfall for July 2016 is likely to be normal.

3 While more rain days are expected in the second fortnight of July 2016 compared to the first fortnight, the daily maximum temperature could still reach a high of around 34°C on a few days. On most days, it is forecast to range between 32°C and 33°C.

REVIEW (1 – 14 July 2016)

4 Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed in the first fortnight of July 2016 and the low level winds were blowing predominantly from the south-southeast or southwest.

5 Singapore experienced several warm days during the review period with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C on 5 days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 36°C was recorded in the northern part of Singapore on 3 July 2016. On a few days of the second week of July 2016 when there was widespread rain, the daily minimum temperatures ranged between 22.3°C and 23.2°C. At the Changi climate station, the night time temperatures on most days in the first fortnight of July 2016 were above the long-term climatological July mean minimum temperature of 25°C. The warm nights were due to warm humid air over the sea being blown towards land by southeasterly winds. As at 14 July 2016, the mean temperature recorded at the Changi climate station for July 2016 was 1.4°C warmer than the long-term climatological mean monthly temperature of 27.9°C for July.

6 In the first fortnight July 2016, most of the thundery showers occurred in the morning and were mainly due to strong convergence of winds in the surrounding region as well as passage of a few Sumatra squalls. The rain was heaviest on 13 July 2016 over the Jurong area where the highest total rainfall recorded was 86mm.

7 Many parts of Singapore received below normal rainfall in the first fortnight of July 2016. Rainfall was lowest around Changi where 9.8mm (86% below average) was recorded. Above normal rainfall was recorded in the western parts of the island, with the highest rainfall of 186.6mm (103% above average) recorded around Boon Lay.

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

Significant below-normal rainfall forecast for March 2016

Advisory

Singapore, 15 March 2016 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to gradually weaken over the next fortnight. The low level winds are forecast to blow predominantly from the northeast or northwest, and become light and variable in direction as the Northeast Monsoon transitions to inter-monsoon conditions in the later part of the month.

2. The next fortnight is expected to be drier and warmer than that experienced in the first fortnight of March 2016. During this period, the daily maximum temperatures are expected to range between 33°C and 34°C, and could reach a high of around 36°C on a few days. The mean monthly temperature for March 2016 is likely to be comparable to that for the warmest March on record (29.5°C in 1998).

3. The warmer conditions are due to the continuing influence of the El Nino and the presence of a dry and warm air mass over the region. The occurrence of the equinox[1] is another contributing factor to the warm temperatures during this time of the year.

4. Despite the drier conditions, short-duration thundery showers in the afternoon on 4 to 6 days can still be expected over parts of Singapore, due to strong solar heating of land areas and convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. The rainfall for March 2016 is expected to be significantly below-normal.

Review (1 – 14 March 2016)

5. During the review period, Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed in the region with the low level winds over Singapore blowing predominantly from the northeast.

6. In the first week of March 2016, Singapore experienced occasionally windy conditions with short-duration thundery showers in the afternoon on some days. Dry and warm conditions were experienced in the second week of the month where the daily maximum temperature recorded was between 34.5°C and 35.0°C.

7. Almost all areas of Singapore received below average rainfall in the first half of March 2016. Rainfall was lowest over the eastern part of the island around Pasir Ris, where 4mm (95% below average) was recorded. The highest rainfall of 119mm (15% above average) was recorded over the southwest-central part of Singapore around Queenstown.

[1] An equinox occurs twice a year around 20 March and 22 September. During an equinox, with the sun directly overhead around noon, sunlight reaching the earth’s surface is most intense and contributes to higher daytime temperatures.

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

Short-duration thundery showers on some days

Advisory

Singapore, 16 February 2016 – For the next fortnight, Northeast Monsoon conditions are forecast to persist with the low level winds blowing predominantly from the north or northeast. The prevailing wet phase of the Northeast Monsoon season is expected to gradually transition to the dry phase of the season around the last week of the month. The dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon season is characterised by drier weather and occasionally windy conditions.

2. For the rest of February 2016, localised short-duration thundery showers are expected on 5 to 6 days in the afternoon due to strong solar heating of land areas and convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity. Rainfall for February 2016 is expected to be near average.

3. It is expected to be drier and warmer in the second half of February 2016 compared to the first two weeks of the month. The temperature for the next fortnight is forecast to range between 25°C and 34°C. The mean monthly temperature for February 2016 is likely to be warmer than the long-term mean of 27.1°C for February. February 2016 could rank among the top five warmest February since records started in 1929.

Review (1 – 15 February 2016)

4. Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed during the first fortnight of February 2016 with the low level winds over the region blowing predominantly from the northeast. During the Chinese New Year period (7 – 10 February 2016), a monsoon surge brought occasional windy conditions and moderate to heavy rain to areas in the southern South China Sea region.

5. On 7 February 2016, the monsoon surge brought widespread moderate rain to Singapore. The rain occurred from around midnight to the early afternoon, and the highest total daily rainfall recorded was 46.8mm over the northwestern part of the island. For the next three days (8 to 10 February 2016), with a shift in the winds to blow from the north, Singapore experienced cool, cloudy and occasional windy conditions with brief periods of light to moderate rain. Most of the heavy rain as a result of the surge fell over the sea areas to the south of Singapore. Daily maximum temperatures of below 30°C were recorded in Singapore on consecutive days during the Chinese New Year period.

6. For the rest of the review period, Singapore experienced thundery showers mostly in the afternoons and evenings due to strong solar heating of land areas coupled with localised wind convergence. The showers were heaviest on 12 February 2016 where the highest total daily rainfall recorded was 60.2mm around Ang Mo Kio.

7. Most parts of Singapore received above average rainfall in the first half of February 2016. The highest rainfall 125mm (72% above average) was recorded over the northern part of Singapore around Woodlands. Rainfall was lowest over the eastern part of Singapore around Changi, where 41mm (28% below average) was recorded.

8. There were a few warm days during the review period where the highest daily maximum temperature recorded ranged from 33.8°C to 34°C. The lowest daily minimum temperature recorded on a few days was between 21.5°C and 23.5°C. Despite the cooler weather experienced between 7 and 10 February 2016, the mean daily minimum temperature in the first fortnight of February 2016 was 25.9°C which is significantly warmer than the long-term mean of 24.3°C. In addition, the mean daily temperature of 28°C is warmer than the long-term February climatology of 27.1°C.

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