Singapore Experiencing Northeast Monsoon Conditions

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.

Nov15b_perc(final)