Second monsoon surge forecast to be shorter, less intense

More flash flooding could occur in coastal areas with higher tides expected this time

- Christine Tan and Caelyn Tan

The spell of prolonged rain forecast to hit the Republic from Jan 17 to 19 was expected to be less intense and shorter than the previous four-day event.

The National Environment Agency's Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said this on Jan 17, in response to queries from The Straits Times.

But it added that it is difficult to predict the extent and intensity of a surge event as its strength depends on many different factors. These include wind direction and speed, and how far cloud clusters are from Singapore, said MSS.

The agencies had warned in the fortnightly weather outlook on Jan 16 that the Republic would experience its second monsoon surge in the month, bringing windy and cooler conditions with occasional spells of moderate to heavy thundery showers over Singapore and the vicinity.

Coastal areas could see more flash flooding during this surge, as tides are expected to be higher compared with those during the previous surge that happened between Jan 10 and 13.

During periods of seasonal high tides, it is common for low-lying areas along East Coast Park to get flooded even without incessant rain.

When ST visited the park at 1pm on Jan 17, when the highest tide was recorded for the day at 3.2m, light rain fell for about five minutes before the skies cleared.

There were full drains and pools of water at grassy areas near the coast - likely owing to high tides - but water did not spill over onto the pavements.

Most people at East Coast Park whom ST spoke to were not aware of the impending monsoon surge, but all said they had checked the weather forecast before heading out.