NEA: More thundery showers are expected

SINGAPORE: On Thursday, Nov 16, the National Environment Agency (NEA) posted on their Facebook page that more thundery showers are expected for the rest of Nov 2023. Inter-monsoon conditions currently prevail over Singapore, ushering in a period of light and variable low-level winds.

As NEA posted, the upcoming fortnight, the monsoon rain band is expected to hover near the equatorial region, bringing thundery showers to Singapore. Residents can anticipate short-duration thundery showers, potentially widespread and heavy on some days, with total rainfall forecasted to be above average across the island.

In the second half of November, warm conditions are on the horizon. Daily temperatures are projected to range between 24 and 34 degrees Celsius, possibly reaching a high of around 35 degrees Celsius on sunnier days when clouds are scarce.

Reflecting on the past two weeks, Nov 1 to Nov 15, the region experienced inter-monsoon conditions, marked by predominantly light and variable winds. Thundery showers occurred mainly in the afternoons, with a notable episode on Nov 7, 2023, when widespread moderate to heavy thundery showers drenched many parts of the island. Woodlands recorded the highest daily rainfall of 69.7 mm during this period.

The first half of November was characterised by generally warm weather, with daily maximum temperatures consistently surpassing 33 degrees Celsius. Notably, Newton recorded the highest daily maximum temperature of 35.8 degrees Celsius on Nov 3, 2023, tying the record for the highest daily maximum temperature in Singapore for November since records began in 1929.

Rainfall distribution varied across the island during the initial half of November 2023. Queenstown experienced a significant 84 per cent below-average rainfall, while Simei recorded 38 per cent above the average.

For perspective, historical climate statistics for November based on the climatological reference period of 1991-2020 indicate an average daily maximum temperature of 31.2 degrees Celsius, an average daily minimum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius, and an average monthly temperature of 27.2 degrees Celsius.

The historical extremes for November include the highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature of 32.3 degrees Celsius recorded in 2019 and the lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius noted in 1933.

Moreover, the highest monthly rainfall recorded in November was 521.5 mm in 1874, while the lowest was 53.5 mm in 1981. These statistics provide valuable context for understanding the climate trends in Singapore during November.

For more information on the daily weather forecast, visit the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) website, the National Environment Agency (NEA) website, or download the myENV app for timely updates on weather conditions in the upcoming fortnight. /TISG