Singapore Braces for Above-Average May Rainfall as Inter-Monsoon Conditions Persist

Key facts

• Total rainfall for first fortnight of May forecast above average over most parts of Singapore.
• Daily maximum temperatures expected between 33°C and 35°C, occasionally exceeding 35°C.
• Inter-monsoon conditions with light, variable winds continue over Singapore and region.
• Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds on one or two mornings.
• On April 21, Jurong West recorded 104.4mm of rain, the highest daily total in the second fortnight of April.
• Changi area saw rainfall 68% above average; Lower Peirce Reservoir had 61% below average.
• Peak temperature of 35.5°C recorded in Paya Lebar, Tuas South on April 25, and Clementi on April 28.

Wet Start to May Expected Across Singapore

Singapore is set for a wetter-than-usual first half of May, with the Meteorological Service Singapore forecasting above-average rainfall over most parts of the island. The inter-monsoon conditions that have prevailed will continue, bringing light winds from variable directions and frequent thundery showers. These showers are expected to occur mainly in the afternoon, though some may extend into the evening on certain days. Sumatra squalls could also bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds on one or two mornings.

Temperatures Remain High Despite Increased Rainfall

Despite the wet forecast, warm days are here to stay. Daily maximum temperatures are predicted to range from 33°C to 35°C on most days, with some days slightly exceeding 35°C. The combination of high heat and humidity will continue to characterize Singapore's weather. highlights that inter-monsoon conditions are expected to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region, with mostly light winds coming from variable directions.

April's Rainfall Patterns Show Sharp Regional Contrasts

Reviewing the second half of April, the Met Service noted that thundery showers fell over parts of the island on most days. On April 21, regional winds brought moderate to heavy thundery showers over many areas in the late morning and afternoon. The daily total rainfall of 104.4mm recorded in Jurong West that day was the highest in the second fortnight of April. Across the two weeks, the eastern and western parts of Singapore recorded above-average rainfall, while other parts mostly recorded below-average rainfall.

Changi Saw 68% Above-Average Rain; Lower Peirce Reservoir 61% Below

The disparity in rainfall across Singapore was stark. The area around Changi registered rainfall 68% above average, while the area around Lower Peirce Reservoir registered rainfall 61% below average. Such contrasts underscore the localized nature of tropical showers. Daily maximum temperatures during this period were above 33°C on most days, peaking at 35.5°C in Paya Lebar and Tuas South on April 25, and in Clementi on April 28.

Outlook: Continued Wet Weather with Possible Morning Squalls

Looking ahead, the Met Service warns that Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds on one or two mornings during the first fortnight of May. Some thundery showers may also extend into the evening on a few days. Residents should prepare for above-average rainfall over most parts of the island, with the inter-monsoon conditions expected to continue. The weatherman advises staying updated with the latest forecasts as the situation develops.

The bottom line

• Singapore's first fortnight of May will see above-average rainfall across most areas, with thundery showers in the afternoons.
• Daily maximum temperatures will remain high, ranging from 33°C to 35°C, occasionally exceeding 35°C.
• Inter-monsoon conditions with light, variable winds will persist, and Sumatra squalls may bring morning storms.
• In late April, rainfall varied sharply: Changi had 68% above average, while Lower Peirce Reservoir had 61% below average.
• The highest daily rainfall in the second fortnight of April was 104.4mm in Jurong West on April 21.
• Peak temperatures reached 35.5°C in Paya Lebar, Tuas South, and Clementi during late April.