Hot days expected over the next fortnight, but heatwave risk in Singapore low: Government

SINGAPORE – There could be a few sizzling days in Singapore over the next fortnight, with temperatures in some parts of the country forecast to top 35 deg C.

Still, the risk of a heatwave is expected to be low, a government spokeswoman told The Straits Times on April 1.

The first fortnight of April is also expected to be wetter than the past fortnight, with thundery showers forecast over parts of Singapore in the afternoon on most days. Daily maximum temperatures are expected to surpass 35 deg C on a few days when there is less cloud coverage.

In Singapore, a heatwave is declared when the daily maximum temperature, averaged across all weather stations here, is at least 35 deg C for three consecutive days. The average daily mean temperature throughout the period must also be at least 29 deg C.

“Even in the absence of a heatwave, individuals could still experience high heat stress levels occasionally,” the spokeswoman said.

This is especially during the late morning and afternoon, when localised heat stress levels could be moderate or high as sunlight could be more intense.

She added that the authorities have reminded several sectors to protect themselves and the people around them from heat-related injuries and illnesses.

For instance, staff in healthcare institutions and disability service providers are told to monitor vulnerable people for signs of heat-related illnesses.

The spokeswoman was responding to queries from The Straits Times on whether any heat protection efforts have kicked in.

This followed the warm weather experienced in Singapore over the last two weeks of March, when daily maximum temperatures exceeded 34 deg C on most days.

On March 24, St Joseph’s Institution Junior told parents that pupils were allowed to wear PE attire until the end of April, in view of the higher temperatures that week.

The spokeswoman noted that daily maximum temperatures at some locations in Singapore reached 35 deg C on March 23 and 35.2 deg C on March 24.

But this did not reach the threshold for a heatwave to be declared, as daily maximum temperatures averaged across all weather stations had been below 34 deg C.

The Education Ministry (MOE) told ST that each school has the autonomy to determine localised measures that can best help their students to manage the heat, as weather and environmental conditions could vary in different parts of Singapore.

“Measures may include more frequent rest and water breaks, or allowing students to dress in PE attire or school T-shirts, depending on their specific needs. To improve thermal comfort during the hotter season, schools may also deploy additional fans or shift classes to alternative cooler spaces,” the MOE spokesperson said.

Heat stress occurs when excess heat builds up in the body as it is unable to cool itself down sufficiently.

The Government said that should a heatwave be forecast, it will step up measures to manage heat stress across sectors, an effort coordinated through the Mercury Task Force set up in 2023.

This will include opening cooling centres to members of the public for shelter from the heat.

These centres will be located at islandwide community facilities like community clubs, residents’ network centres, as well as indoor sports halls. They will generally be situated near residential areas.

The Government said: “Information on the locations and operating hours of the cooling centres will be shared via official government channels upon activation of the heatwave response plans, together with the other public communications on the heatwave and heat management measures for the public.”

But even before a heatwave is declared, people should check the latest heat stress levels and the corresponding heat stress advisory on the National Environment Agency’s myENV app or on weather.gov.sg before undertaking prolonged outdoor activities.

While the advisory provides general guidance, the public should also take into consideration individual circumstances, such as health, age, and the duration and intensity of the intended outdoor activities, the spokeswoman said.

Various government agencies have measures in place to protect several communities from heat stress, she added.

Healthcare institutions

The Ministry of Health has reminded healthcare institutions like hospitals, nursing homes and senior care centres to ensure there are adequate medical resources to manage heat-related illnesses and emergencies.

Heat can cause injuries that range from mild conditions like heat rash, heat cramps, which refer to painful muscle spasms due to dehydration and overworked muscles, and heat exhaustion, to more severe forms like heatstroke.

Staff have been reminded to identify and closely monitor those who are at higher risk of developing such issues.

Disability service providers and MSF-run services

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has advised disability service providers, MSF residential homes and community-based facilities like family service centres under the ministry’s purview to take additional precautions against heat stress, especially when conducting outdoor or physically strenuous activities for the vulnerable.

Outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm should also be minimised.

Staff have been reminded to monitor residents and clients for early signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and dehydration.

Pre-schools

The Early Childhood Development Agency requires pre-schools to take precautions against heat stress, such as minimising outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm.

Staff have also been reminded to look out for children who appear unwell or display signs of heat injuries, excuse them from physical or outdoor activities and seek medical attention when necessary.

Schools

In more severe heat situations, MOE, in alignment with national advisories, can take further actions, including suspending outdoor activities or all physical activities throughout the day.

Where necessary, MOE will also provide schools with more guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, depending on the severity of the situation.

Outdoor workers

The Ministry of Manpower has reminded employers to roll out measures to protect outdoor workers against the risk of heat stress, which includes ensuring adequate hydration and rest, and allowing them to seek shade.

The military

The Ministry of Defence has a set of heat management measures in place, including compulsory education on heat injury prevention and a heat acclimatisation regime for all soldiers.

In the event of hotter weather, the Singapore Armed Forces will take additional measures to minimise the risk of heat injuries, such as more frequent rest cycles and hydration regimes.