Monsoon surge: Heavy rain across Singapore to continue in the afternoon
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SINGAPORE – The weatherman warned that heavy thundery showers across the island are set to stretch into the afternoon of March 20.
In an update at about 12.30pm, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said that heavy rain was set to fall over many areas of Singapore from 12.45pm to 2pm.
It first issued an alert at about 8.30am, warning that “heavy thundery showers are expected over many areas of Singapore between 8.45am and 10.15am” following incessant rain overnight.
National water agency PUB said on March 20 that old videos of flooding incidents in Singapore have been circulating online, including one taken on May 4, 2024, at a basement carpark in Balmoral Crescent.
It urged the public to avoid sharing such videos without first verifying their authenticity and timing to avoid causing confusion or unnecessary alarm.
PUB warned about the potential for flash floods earlier in the day. At around 7.40am, it issued the flash flood risk alert for the PIE towards Changi Airport after the TPE.
At about 10.20am, it issued another flash flood risk alert for the ECP towards Changi Airport at Tanah Merah Coast Road entrance.
PUB issued a third flash flood risk alert at about 1.40pm for Jalan Seaview and the junction of Mountbatten Road and Tanjong Katong Road South.
This marks the second consecutive day that PUB has issued flash flood risk alerts,
A flash flood in Mountbatten Road at 3pm on March 20.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
The incessant rain is the result of a monsoon surge that started on the morning of March 19
The surge is expected to last till March 21
Temperatures fell to 21.9 deg C on the morning of March 20 in Tuas South at about 10am, with the highest rainfall recorded standing at 167.6mm in Pulau Ubin as of 1pm.
Singapore’s lowest temperature in 2025 so far has been
Dark clouds seen around Tiong Bahru on the morning of March 20.
PHOTO: SEAN CHUA/FACEBOOK
The monsoon surge, known for causing widespread and prolonged rain, is unusual since it typically occurs earlier in the north-east monsoon season, between December and January.
Singapore is currently in the late phase of the monsoon season, which usually lasts until around March.
A monsoon surge occurs when bursts of cold air from the north-east, originating in regions like Central Asia, move over the South China Sea, bringing extensive rainfall, strong winds, and cooler temperatures to Singapore.
On average, the Republic experiences two to four monsoon surges annually.
Additional reporting by Sherlyn Sim and Gabrielle Andres
