From The Straits Times archives: Beating the heat in Singapore

Traditional Thai coconut ice cream at Wimi Ice Cream. PHOTO: ST FILE
Goya Chanpuru, stirfry bittergourds with cubes of firm tofu and pieces of pork, from Nirai Kanai at Liang Court. PHOTO: ST FILE
Ms Joanna Liew's honeysuckle flowers tea from Bao Zhong Tang TCM Centre. ST PHOTO: JOAN CHEW
Pepper mint has an abundance of health benefits in TCM. PHOTO: ST FILE

Scorching days are back again - with temperatures in Sembawang reaching a high of 35.1 deg C at 3pm on Monday (Jan 9), the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Monday evening.

Singapore has been experiencing hottier and drier weather over the weekend, with temperatures above 33 deg C recorded at some weather stations, NEA said.

NEA attributed the weather to "moisture in our surrounding region being drawn into a low pressure system over southern Thailand", which resulted in fewer clouds and warmer temperatures in Singapore.

From The Straits Times' archives, here are some ways to keep cool under Singapore's sweltering heat:

HOTTER DAYS TO COME: TIPS ON HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT

The temperatures can be unbearable at times, hence wearing lightweight fabric is a smart choice when heading outdoors. PHOTO: ST FILE

From dressing to fitness and diet, there are several ways to survive the heat.

For instance, it's not just about how much you wear, but what you wear. Lightweight fabric such as cotton is a smarter choice when choosing outfits for outdoor activities.

Drinking plenty of liquid and opting for food with cooling properties is a great way to counter the effects of the increased temperatures this March.

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COOL PICKS FOR HOT DAYS

Chill with Watermelon Soju. PHOTO: ST FILE

This guide provides 15 refreshing food and drink selections perfect for the higher temperatures expected this month. This list not only features a good variety of treats for those on a budget, but it also caters to those willing to pay more in exchange for a refreshing treat.

From the humble iced tea and chendol found at cafes and hawker stalls, to the lesser known Watermelon Soju and more, these treats will give you a much needed boost in the sweltering heat.

Who knows? Watermelon soju might just be the next Korean food craze in town.

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BEAT THE HEAT WITH SIX COOLING TEAS

Ms Lim Sock Ling's glehnia root tea from Bao Zhong Tang TCM Centre. ST PHOTO: JOAN CHEW

The heat and dry weather conditions in recent months may cause throat irritation or other respiratory symptoms.

Ms Lim Sock Ling, a TCM practitioner at Bao Zhong Tang TCM Centre, recommends several teas to improve these symptoms.

Brew yourself a cooing cup of glehnia root tea or honeysuckle flowers tea to lessen your internal body heat. They are said to be able to improve symptoms of dry skin or runny nose.

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LEAVES TO CURE HAZE AILMENTS

Lemon mint drink. PHOTO: ST FILE

The clean smell of peppermint is one you are probably familiar with when it comes to food, beverages and even toiletries.

In fact, peppermint also has other uses such as combating symptoms of a stuffy nose and sore throat, and is also beneficial to the liver. Its abundance of health benefits is in part due to the presence of menthol in its leaves. Peppermint leaves can be used freshly plucked from its plant or when it's dried.

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