Thundery showers expected for rest of February; mercury may dip to 23 deg C on some days

SINGAPORE – Remember to grab your umbrella when you leave home as thundery showers are expected for the rest of February, according to the weatherman.

These moderate to heavy showers are expected over most parts of the island in the afternoon, and may extend into the night on a few of these days, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said in a statement on Feb 17.

The MSS added that it expects total rainfall for the second fortnight of February to be above average in most parts of the island.

Daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 deg C and 34 deg C on most days during this period, with the mercury possibly dropping to daily lows of 23 deg C on a few rainy days, said the MSS.

Prevailing north-east monsoon conditions are expected to continue for the rest of the month, with winds blowing mainly from the north-west or north-east, the weatherman added.

The north-east monsoon typically lasts from December to January, and a monsoon surge that brings prolonged rain is a common phenomenon during this season.

In the first two weeks of February, daily maximum temperature here ranged between 27.7 deg C and 34.4 deg C.

A total of six days saw the maximum temperature reach 34 deg C, with the highest daily temperature of 34.4 deg C recorded in Clementi on Feb 3 and in Jurong on Feb 14.

Most parts of Singapore recorded below-average rainfall during that period, the MSS added.

For example, Kent Ridge registered rainfall of 69 per cent below average.

On the other hand, Tanjong Katong registered rainfall of 83 per cent above average.

The MSS said strong solar heating coupled with a convergence of winds brought moderate to heavy thundery showers over most parts of Singapore in the late afternoon and evening on Feb 14.

The daily total rainfall of 102 mm recorded in Kranji that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of February.