Record hot temperatures, unusual monsoon surges: 5 takeaways from Singapore’s 2023 climate report

These occurrences were most frequent in April, May, June, and October, with May recording the highest number of high heat stress days (10 days), followed by October (eight days).

In future projections, as highlighted in the V3 study, Singapore anticipates a significant increase in high heat stress days, with estimates of 75, 87, and 113 days on average by 2059 under low, moderate, and high emissions scenarios, respectively.

This marks a two to fourfold rise compared to 2023.

By 2099, the frequency of such sweltering days could soar to between 207 and 326 days on average under the high emissions scenario.

Studies have found that rising temperatures, extreme heat and high heat stress could lead to several adverse effects.

A recent study by the National University of Singapore (NUS) found that heat stress can cause lower fertility, worker productivity and cognitive capacity.

EXCEPTIONALLY WET FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Last year, Singapore had its seventh wettest year since 1980, with a total rainfall of 2,866.1mm, which was 13.1 per cent above the long-term average.

February was exceptionally wet, with an islandwide average rainfall of 342mm. This was more than double the month’s long-term average of 132.1mm, making it the fourth wettest February on record. March also saw significant rainfall, ranking as the fifth wettest March since 1980.