SINGAPORE - The month of November will get wetter. The north-east monsoon is expected to bring showers in late November until January next year, said the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) and national water agency PUB in a joint press release on Thursday (Nov 24).
From December to January next year, high tides of at least 3.2m are expected from Dec 14 to 17, and from Jan 13 to 15. Heavy rain coinciding with high tides could lead to localised flash floods in the low-lying areas.
Short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers, mostly in the afternoon, will happen during the monsoon period. There is an average of 18 rain days in December and 13 rain days in January.
The MSS will issue prolonged monsoon heavy rain warnings when intense rain or prolonged monsoon rain is expected, in addition to regular weather forecasts.
PUB officers have distributed flood advisories to around 600 residents and shop-owners in low-lying and hot spot areas which may experience flash floods. PUB has also inspected about 100 major construction worksites and worked with agencies and town councils to ensure that drains and canals are unobstructed.
There are a few ways you can stay updated on the latest weather reports and heavy rain warnings.
PUB has a network of 170 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor real-time road conditions in low-lying areas and hot spots. You can view 49 of these CCTV images which are refreshed every five minutes via PUB's website or MyWaters mobile app.
PUB also has 205 water level sensors installed in the island's major drains and canals, which provide real-time data on water levels. Information from all water level sensors is also available to the public here.
You can tune in to radio traffic watch broadcasts, call MSS' weather forecast hotline on 6542-7788, go to the MSS website at www.weather.gov.sg and access NEA's mobile app MyENV, MSS' mobile app Weather @SG or subscribe to the heavy rain warning SMS alert service provided by the MSS.
During heavy rain events, stay updated on rising water levels in drains or canals and flash floods via PUB's Facebook and Twitter feeds, PUB's free mobile app MyWaters, and PUB's website here.
You can also subscribe to a free SMS alert service to keep tabs on the water level in a canal or drain at a designated location via PUB's website.
If you are caught in a flash flood, avoid driving into flooded areas, as low visibility can obscure the depth of floodwaters. Pedestrians caught in a flash flood are advised to move to higher ground and refrain from walking through flood waters.
You can also call PUB's 24-hour Call Centre on 1800-CALL PUB (1800-2255 782) to report on any flood situation or NEA's hotline on 1800-6003333 to report on any choked drains.
