Warmer, drier weather in Singapore between June and September: NEA

SINGAPORE — The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) has predicted drier, warmer weather in Singapore in the next few months, following the rise of weak to moderate El Nino conditions across South-east Asia, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in a press release today (May 30).

While rainfall this month has been above average for most parts of Singapore, the NEA said the traditional dry season between June and September is expected to start from the second week of next month, as a result of the coming Southwest Monsoon season.

Rainfall in Singapore over the coming Southwest Monsoon season between this period could range between 10 and 40 per cent below average, while the average daily temperature is expected to be about 1°C above average, said the NEA.

Prolonged warmer and drier conditions during El Nino will increase the risk of the occurrence of transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires across Southeast Asia, said the NEA, and Singapore could be affected, depending on various factors such as wind direction and the locations of hotspots in the fire-prone areas.

In anticipation of drier weather, the Inter-Agency Haze Task Force has started preparing to combat the haze. The NEA said: “Forecasts and advisories will take into account the new PSI system, as well as the revised Ministry of Health (MOH)’s health advisories and Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s workplace guidelines”.

The PUB also urged water conservation, as reservoir stock levels are expected to be affected by drier weather.

Meanwhile, the MSS will continue to monitor the conditions in the tropical Pacific leading to the development of the El Nino, as well as the regional weather and haze situation, and provide necessary updates, NEA added.