SINGAPORE - As Singapore ushers in the new year, locals should prepare for a series of wet days ahead, with the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) announcing a forecast filled with rain for the first two weeks of January.

Expect moderate to heavy showers sweeping across most afternoons, with the possibility of these downpours extending into the late evening hours. These weather patterns can be attributed to active north-east monsoon conditions, characterized by winds gusting from the north-east towards the south-west. This wet phase, which typically persists from December to January, is expected to result in increased rainfall across the island.

Additionally, Singaporeans should be aware of a monsoon surge towards the close of the first fortnight in January, which signifies a sudden spike in wind speeds that could push cold air southwards across the South China Sea, further amplifying the rain.

The MSS has also placed the nation under a watch for La Nina conditions, a phase in the El Nino-Southern Oscillation that historically leads to wetter weather for Singapore. Anticipated La Nina conditions may evolve in the coming months, hinting at prolonged rainfall and possibly more significant weather events.

Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu took to social media to emphasize the need for residents to brace for the impending wet weather, reminding them of the severe thunderstorms and flash floods experienced in 2024. "The heavy rainfall and flash floods that affected Singapore in 2024 remind us that our climate is becoming more unpredictable, with extreme weather events likely to grow more frequent and intense," she stated.

Daily temperatures during this period are predicted to hover between 24°C and 33°C, with potential drops to a low of 22°C mid-month. In the last weeks of December 2024, Singapore witnessed similar warm and wet patterns with afternoons plagued by thunderstorms; temperatures ranged from 32°C to 34°C, and numerous regions recorded above-average rainfall.

In a notable instance, December 29 saw central Singapore blanketed with a staggering 134.6 mm of rainfall within a two-hour span, representing 41% of the island's average monthly rainfall for December. This deluge put areas like Dunearn Road, Bukit Timah Road, and Balmoral Road under water, although the floods receded quickly, often within 20 minutes, with most roads cleared shortly thereafter.

Minister Fu also commended the national water agency, PUB, for its swift action in addressing the flash floods. “While we cannot predict the exact timing or intensity of extreme weather events, these heavy downpours can overwhelm even our most effective drainage systems, leading to localized flooding,” she cautioned, urging all to stay informed through weather forecasts and flood alerts.

For those interested in daily weather updates, check out www.weather.gov.sg or download the MyENV app—your handy tool to stay ahead of the rain!

As Singapore faces these challenges of an increasingly volatile climate, citizens are reminded to be prepared and proactive. Will you be ready for the storms to come?