Temperatures could hit 35 deg Celsius in coming weeks: NEA

Channel NewsAsia 16 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE: Expect searing heat in the second half of March, with the daily maximum temperature in the range of 33 to 35 degrees Celsius, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in its weather outlook posted on its website.

NEA said short thundery showers are expected in the afternoons on four to six days. The Northeast Monsoon is forecast to transition to the Inter-Monsoon season in the last week of March, NEA added. Winds are expected to weaken and be light.

Rainfall for the month in the first half of March has been below average. In late January, NEA had said dry season hit Singapore earlier than usual.

- CNA/rg

Hot spell expected for next two weeks
Feng Zengkun The Straits Times AsiaOne 18 Mar 15;

WHEN you are out during the next two weeks, take along an umbrella for shade.

The National Environment Agency's (NEA) latest weather forecast has predicted a scorching maximum daily temperature of up to 35 deg C.

This is much higher than the long-term average maximum daily temperature of 31.6 deg C for March, as measured at the Changi climate station, which is used as Singapore's reference station.

The NEA said yesterday: "In the second half of March, generally fair and warm weather conditions can be experienced on some days, with maximum daily temperature in the range of 33 to 35 deg C."

It will also be less windy, with the prevailing north-easterly winds expected to weaken to become light and variable in direction.

The NEA said short thundery showers are expected, mainly in the afternoon, on four to six days, although the rainfall for this month is expected to be below the long-term average of 185mm.

Most areas of Singapore had received below-average rainfall in the first half of this month.

Ms Julie Tham, 34, who works in a bank, said she would take a water bottle with her if she goes out during the weekend.

"If the weather is going to be very hot, I don't want to risk being dehydrated."