Heavy thundery showers with gusty winds swept over many areas in Singapore suddenly at around 7pm on 17 September. As a result, the PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, issued a flash flood warning on its X (formerly Twitter) page, advising the public to avoid Lor Gambir till 8:30pm.
Heavy rain
The pouring rain and strong winds caused significant inconvenience for Singapore residents, especially those heading out to meet their families for the Mid-Autumn Festival or watch the full moon. According to a video sent by a Fathership reader at around 8pm, an installation at Chinatown Point appeared to have fallen off. A TikTok user also claimed that the wind had caused various objects, including traffic cones and gym equipment, to fall into a pool located at East Coast Beach at around 8pm.
Trees located in the National University of Singapore, Mount Faber Park, Jalan Kayu, and East Coast Park also succumbed to the wind, causing passers-by to take detours. A fallen tree near Syed Alwi Street in Jalan Besar was seen landing on the top of a car at around 8pm. Besides open public spaces, the rain also created havoc in residential areas. A Xiaohongshu user claimed that some bicycles parked on the ground floor of their apartment building were blown into the centre of the void deck by the wind before landing on their sides.
Wet weather incoming
In a 16 September media advisory, the Meteorological Service Singapore said Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds during the pre-dawn hours and morning on a few days in the second fortnight of September 2024. More rainfall is also forecast towards the last week of the month, with thundery showers expected on most afternoons. On some of those days, the thundery showers could be widespread and heavy. Thanks to the wet weather, daily temperatures may range between 23°C and 32°C on a few days in the second half of the month.
Impact on daily life
The sudden and severe weather conditions have had a noticeable impact on daily life in Singapore. Commuters faced delays and disruptions, with many having to find alternative routes due to fallen trees and debris. Public transport services were also affected, with some bus routes temporarily suspended. Residents in affected areas reported power outages and minor flooding in low-lying regions.
Future implications
The recent weather events highlight the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns in Singapore. Experts suggest that such extreme weather could become more frequent due to climate change. The government and relevant agencies are urged to enhance infrastructure resilience and improve early warning systems to better prepare for future occurrences. Residents are also advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions during severe weather conditions.
