Thundery showers, frequent lightning expected in first half of April: Met Service

SINGAPORE — Short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers — coupled with frequent lightning activity — can be expected over parts of Singapore in the afternoon on most days in the next two weeks, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said on Thursday (April 1).

In a weather update, MSS said that this is due to the monsoon rain band which is forecast to lie close to the equatorial Southeast Asia region.

MSS added that on a few of those days, the thundery showers could extend into the early evening due to the strong convergence of winds in the surrounding vicinity.

The weather agency said that the daily temperature in the coming fortnight is forecast to range between 25°C and 34°C, but could reach a high of around 35°C “on a few days”.

It added: “Climatologically, April is one of the warmest months of the year.”

MSS said that in the coming fortnight, the prevailing winds are forecast to shift to blow from the west on a few days.

The eastward passage of a Sumatra squall from the Strait of Malacca could bring thundery showers with gusty winds over Singapore on one or two mornings.

“In addition, on one or two days in the fortnight, it is expected to be fair and warm arising from stable atmospheric conditions over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity.

“Overall, the rainfall for the first fortnight of April 2021 is expected to be near normal over most parts of the island,” MSS said.

MSS noted that Northeast Monsoon conditions that have been prevailing over the region since December 2020 are expected to gradually weaken and end with the onset of inter-monsoon conditions in the first half of April.

During the inter-monsoon period, warm weather and thundery showers in the afternoon and early evening are common, MSS said.

“The prevailing light winds coupled with strong day-time heating of land areas are conducive for the development of localised and intense thunderstorms,” the weather agency said.

"During the inter-monsoon months, the incidence of lightning activity is higher than other times of the year."

For the daily weather forecast, the public may visit the websites of MSS or the National Environment Agency. They may also download the myENV mobile application or the Weather@SG app by MSS.