Singapore was lashed by heavy rain and gusty winds on Friday night, 20 September 2024. The National Environment Agency (NEA) issued an advisory at 10:19 pm, warning of “moderate to heavy thundery showers with gusty wind” expected over many areas of Singapore between 11 pm and 1 am the next day. The squall swept past Singapore in about 90 minutes, coinciding with the first night of the Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix 2024.
Background
The inclement weather on Friday night was reminiscent of a similar event on Tuesday night, 17 September, which also swept across Singapore from west to east. According to NEA, the storm on Tuesday made landfall at about 7 pm, felling trees islandwide and taking 45 minutes to pass over Singapore. A tree fell along Beach Road near the Ophir Flyover, causing traffic congestion. The road was impassable for about 20 minutes before passersby moved the tree to clear a path on the right-most lane.
Impact on F1 Singapore Grand Prix
The heavy rain and gusty winds on Friday night posed challenges for the first night of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024. Spectators and participants had to navigate the wet conditions, which added an extra layer of complexity to the event. The organisers had prepared for such weather, but the intensity of the squall still caused disruptions.
NEA Advisory and Weather Forecast
In a media advisory on 16 September, the Meteorological Service Singapore had warned that Sumatra squalls might 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.
Public Response and Safety Measures
The public response to the weather advisory was mixed, with some residents taking precautions while others were caught off guard. “I was driving home when the storm hit, and it was quite challenging to see the road,” said a local resident. The NEA continues to urge residents to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary safety measures during such weather events.
Related Events
The recent weather events in Singapore are part of a broader pattern of increased rainfall and storm activity in the region. Similar weather conditions have been observed in other parts of the world, including California, where heavy rain and gusty winds have caused flooding and toppled trees. These events highlight the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes and the need for effective communication from weather agencies.
As Singapore braces for more wet weather in the coming weeks, residents are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
