The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) has issued warnings of heavy thundery showers hitting various parts of Singapore, with no signs of respite until later in the day.
According to MSS, heavy rainfall was expected to persist across the island from 12.45pm to 2pm on March 20, following a previous alert issued at around 8.30 am notifying residents of the impending downpour between 8.45am and 10.15am. The continuous rain overnight led to concerns about flash floods, prompting the national water agency PUB to issue several flood risk alerts.
“PUB issued a third flash flood risk alert at about 1.40pm for Jalan Seaview and the junction of Mountbatten Road and Tanjong Katong Road South,” reported the Straits Times.
This marked the second day in a row that PUB had issued flash flood risk alerts, indicating the severity of the situation. The heavy rainfall disrupted air travel, with several flights being cancelled, re-timed, or diverted from Changi Airport and Seletar Airport.
The downpour was attributed to a monsoon surge that began on March 19 and was expected to persist until March 21, potentially bringing temperatures down to as low as 22 degrees Celsius in Singapore.
By 10 am on March 20, temperatures in Tuas South had dropped to 21.9 degrees Celsius, with Pulau Ubin recording the highest rainfall of 167.6mm by 1 pm. This unusual late-phase monsoon surge, known for widespread and prolonged rain, is typically observed earlier in the north-east monsoon season between December and January.
“A monsoon surge occurs when bursts of cold air from the northeast, originating in regions like Central Asia, move over the South China Sea, bringing extensive rainfall, strong winds, and cooler temperatures to Singapore,” as explained by the report.
Singapore is currently experiencing the tail end of the monsoon season, which is anticipated to last until March. On average, Singapore encounters two to four monsoon surges annually.
As the relentless heavy rainfall persists and flash flood risks loom large, authorities are working diligently to mitigate the impact and ensure the safety of residents in Singapore. The community is urged to remain alert and prepared for potential disruptions caused by the ongoing monsoon surge.
Also, remember to bring your brollies if you are heading out!
