SINGAPORE – A third monsoon surge brought rain and lowered temperatures to 27 deg C in the morning of March 19.
The eastern part of the Republic was covered by rain clouds around 9.15am and an hour later, it was raining all over Singapore, according to NEA’s myENV map.
Heavier rain clouds were observed in central and eastern Singapore at 10.20am, but no floods were reported in the PUB Flood Alerts channel on the Telegram messaging app.
This comes after NEA warned about a monsoon surge from March 19 to 21, which may bring temperatures as low as 22 deg C amid periods of moderate to heavy showers over Singapore.
This third surge event so far in 2025 is uncommon, as these surges tend to occur during the earlier phase of the north-east monsoon season - between December and January.
Singapore is currently in the end phase of the monsoon season, which typically lasts till March.
A monsoon surge refers to bursts of cold air from the north-east, such as Central Asia, which warms as it sweeps southwards towards the tropics, and rolls over the South China sea. It then picks up moisture, which leads to the formation of dense rain clouds.
This brings increased widespread rainfall, strong winds and cooler weather near the Equator.
On average, Singapore experiences up to four monsoon surges each year, with each event lasting between one and five days.
The rainfall can be prolonged, like it was in the previous surge from Jan 10 to 13. The deluge on Jan 10 and 11 alone exceeded the amount of rain Singapore typically receives in the entire month of January.
Changi recorded the highest total amount of rainfall at 255.2mm over those two days, exceeding Singapore’s monthly average rainfall of 222.4mm in January.
A security expert warned that other than posing an inconvenience to livelihood and business operations, periods of prolonged rain and strong winds can also pose a safety risk.
“Prolonged heavy rain and strong winds can disrupt operations and even pose safety hazards such as flooding and flying debris if temporary structures like stalls and tents of night markets and Ramadan bazaars, for instance, are not secured during strong winds properly,” said Regional Security Manager of International SOS Bala Selvam.
He added that businesses ought to address risks including areas getting waterlogged – something that happens when soil and dirt paths become flooded as a result of soil pores filling up with water instead of air – slippery surfaces and falling debris.
“Installing non-slip mats, clearing pathways, and ensuring temporary structures are securely anchored can mitigate hazards... Contingency planning should also extend beyond infrastructure; staff should be trained in emergency response protocols, including evacuation procedures and safety drills, ensuring preparedness for unexpected surges and weather changes,” he said.
Besides wielding an umbrella, PUB has urged commuters to adjust travel plans between March 19 and 21, if needed, and check for flood risks and plan travel routes accordingly.
PUB also advises moving to higher ground where possible, as floodwaters may rise suddenly. Houses and businesses in flood-prone locations should install flood barriers – provided by the authorities – when there is a risk of flood occurring.
People should avoid treading through moving water that is above ankle height, as it can lead to slips and accidents. If absolutely necessary, they should use a stick or umbrella to check for open drains and firmness of the ground before pursuing a route.
Residents and business owners should move essential items to higher ground and avoid touching electrical switches or appliances if they are standing in water.
For vehicles stranded in flood waters, avoid braking to keep the engine speed higher and constant.
Each flash flood episode tends to last less than an hour in Singapore.
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