Sumatra squall brings rain and gusty winds to Singapore

SINGAPORE – Winds of speeds as high as 103.7km/h were recorded early this morning (June 12), leaving behind fallen trees and collapsed tents on parts of the island.

The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said a Sumatra squall – which are common during the Southwest Monsoon season that typically lasts from June to early October – affected Singapore between 2.15am to 3.30am. The squall brought rain and gusty winds to many parts of the island, with the south-western part of Singapore near West Coast highway recording the highest wind speed of 103.7km/h. In comparison, the highest wind speed recorded was 144.4km/h, on April 25 1984.

The intense storms resulted in 18 incidences of fallen trees, 30 fallen branches, and six snapped trunks, said Mr Oh Cheow Sheng, Director, Streetscape, National Parks Board (Nparks).

There were no reports of injury, and the obstructions were cleared upon notification, he said.

The MSS also said for the next fortnight, there could be a few days of short-duration afternoon showers with one to two Sumatra squalls.