Singapore set for warm, drier start to October after rainy September

SINGAPORE – Drier conditions are expected in the first half of October, particularly during the first week of the month, with fair and warm conditions on several days.

Total rainfall for the first half of the month is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island, making it drier than the previous two weeks, said the Meteorological Service Singapore in its fortnightly weather advisory on Oct 1.

However, localised thundery showers are still expected over parts of Singapore in the late morning and afternoon on a few days.

Daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 34 and 35 deg C on most days, and could exceed 35 deg C on a few days.

Nights may also be humid, with minimum temperatures remaining above 27 deg C.

“South-west monsoon conditions are prevailing over Singapore and the surrounding region, and are expected to continue in the coming fortnight, with winds blowing mainly from the south-east or south-west,” said the Met service.

Air quality back within moderate levels

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings across Singapore was within moderate levels at 4pm on Oct 1, ranging from 59 to 73.

This comes after the central region reached a new peak this haze season early on Sept 29, when air quality across Singapore breached the unhealthy band for the first time in two weeks.

The PSI reading is a 24-hour rolling average of six key air pollutants and is used in planning for outdoor activities the next day.

Air quality is considered unhealthy when the 24-hour PSI is in the range of 101 to 200, during which the National Environment Agency advises the public to at least reduce outdoor activities.

PSI readings of 51 to 100 are considered moderate, while values of zero to 50 are in the “good” range.