Singapore sees unprecedented third monsoon surge in 2025
- This surge marks the third occurrence in Singapore in 2025, taking place from March 19 to 21.
- Rain and lower temperatures led to a flash flood warning from PUB, particularly in areas such as Mountbatten Road.
- The unusual timing of the surge raises concerns about the safety and preparedness of residents and businesses.
On March 19, 2025, Singapore encountered its third monsoon surge of the year, marking an unusual weather pattern for the Republic. Unlike typical surges that occur during the early phase of the north-east monsoon season between December and January, this event has surfaced during the latter phase of the season. The National Environment Agency reported significant temperature drops, reaching as low as 23.6 degrees Celsius at noon on that day. Rain clouds developed early in the morning and rapidly spread across the island, resulting in widespread rainfall and an official warning about the potential for flash floods. Due to the heavy rain throughout the day, the national water agency, PUB, issued alerts regarding the risk of flash floods, particularly highlighting the Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview areas at approximately 2:45 PM. Residents were advised to avoid these locations for safety. The NEA's previous warnings emphasized that this surge could lead to moderate to heavy showers and drop temperatures to as low as 22 degrees Celsius. The unusual timing of this monsoon surge raises concerns among meteorologists, as such surges are primarily registered during the earlier monsoon months. Experts have pointed out that prolonged heavy rain poses serious risks, not only as an inconvenience but also due to safety concerns like local flooding and debris. Mr. Bala Selvam from International SOS highlighted that businesses and residents in flood-prone areas should be prepared with contingency plans and emergency response trainings. Measures suggested included moving essential items to higher ground, utilizing flood barriers (provided by authorities), and ensuring the stability of temporary structures to prevent accidents. Furthermore, it is crucial for residents to adhere to PUB's flood alerts and follow guidelines to stay safe during such severe weather events. The current situation reinforces the importance of community preparedness and infrastructure resilience as Singapore navigates the end phases of its monsoon season, which typically lasts until the end of March.