More windy days ahead with north-east monsoon

Windy weather typical of this time of year, says expert, as monsoon reaches its end

Even as the dry weather carries over from the past week into the fortnight ahead, Singaporeans will feel the wind in their hair.

This is because the north-east monsoon, which brought heavy showers in December and January, is reaching its end.

"The windiness is typical of this time of year... Based on historical data, by mid/late March, it should be calmer as inter-monsoon conditions will prevail," said Assistant Professor Winston Chow of the National University of Singapore's department of geography.

A Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) spokesman said that over the next two weeks, occasional windy conditions with daily average wind speed of 15kmh to 30kmh can be expected. The northern and eastern parts of the island are likely to experience windier conditions.

The MSS said that during the north-east monsoon season - between December and March - cold and dry conditions develop over much of continental northern Asia. "Intense high-pressure systems in these regions produce occasional surges of strong and cold winds that flow southward to the South China Sea and our surrounding region," it added.

In terms of rainfall over the fortnight, the MSS said there will likely be localised, short-duration thundery showers in the afternoon on some days. The temperature is expected to range between 24 and 33 deg C on most days.

Housewife Merinna Choy, who is in her 60s and lives in Upper Thomson, said: "These days, it's windy not just in the evenings but also during the afternoons when it is sunny.

"My wind chimes at home are making a lot of noise," she quipped.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 03, 2016, with the headline More windy days ahead with north-east monsoon. Subscribe