Woo Sian Boon Today Online 11 Feb 14;
SINGAPORE — Although widespread rain over the weekend brought some relief after the skies were “shut” for more than 20 days, the National Environment Agency (NEA) yesterday said the dry weather is set to continue, as the region is still in the dry phase of the north-east monsoon season.
The dry phase had begun in mid-January, which was earlier than usual, and led to one of the longest dry spells Singapore has experienced in recent years. A dry spell occurs when less than 1mm of rainfall is registered daily over an extended period of at least 15 consecutive days.
Afternoon showers can be expected this week, but “a strengthening of winds over the South China Sea could bring drier conditions to Singapore on a few days during the week”, said the NEA.
Rain fell over western and central parts of Singapore last Sunday and at least 1mm of rainfall was recorded at 17 climate stations, with Bukit Timah recording the highest at 21.8mm. The agency had last week said rainfall for this month was expected to be below average. As of Sunday, 33 climate stations had recorded a daily rainfall total of less than 1mm since Jan 16.
Last month, only 75.4mm of rainfall and five “rain days” — a day with a minimum rainfall of 0.2mm — were recorded at Changi climate station, compared with the long-term average rainfall of 242.4mm usually received in January. The Republic last experienced similar dry spells between Jan 26 and Feb 10 in 2009 and between Feb 3 and 18 in 2011. WOO SIAN BOON
The Star 11 Feb 14;
Malaysia: Respite from the dry spell
PETALING JAYA: Despite earlier forecasts of a long dry spell, Malaysians can expect showers and thunderstorms by mid-week with rain bearing winds heading towards the country.
The Meteorological Department National Weather Centre director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the dry spell is expected to last till mid-March. However, he added, the easterly winds from the Pacific Ocean will bring rain.
He said Sabah and Sarawak were already experiencing isolated rain and thunderstorms due to the wind and it will soon progress to the peninsula states by mid-week.
Perak, Selangor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor are expected to see more thunderstorms and showers, he said.
“The easterly wind is rather moist and we are starting to see more build-up of clouds compared to mid-January.
“The build-up of clouds indicates there is more moisture, thus, the possibility of thunderstorms and rain,” Muhammad Helmi said yesterday.
However, the northern states will be experiencing the dry spell with temperatures up to 35°C.
This is a normal phenomenon during the tail-end of the monsoon season.
Muhammad Helmi said the nights would be less cool compared to January, when some parts of the country experienced cold spells due to dry winds from China.
Meanwhile, Fomca deputy secretary-general Foon Weng Lian said consumers should be mindful of their use of water and electricity during the hot spell.
He said the hot weather would also affect transmission lines and reduce their efficiency.
“So, to avoid electricity overload or trips, don’t keep your electrical appliances on for too long,” he advised.
Foon said consumers should not be overly dependent on air conditioners and, instead, look for ways to improve natural ventilation at home.
“Open up your windows to let the natural air in for a while before switching on the air-conditioner,” said Foon.
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