Singapore – Relentless rain continues to drench Singapore this week under the grip of an unusually prolonged monsoon surge. From Wednesday through Thursday (March 19–20, 2025), the third monsoon surge of the year has unleashed continuous downpours and noticeably cooler temperatures across the island. Dark grey clouds blanketed the sky from the early hours, bringing rain to all regions. By midday Wednesday, temperatures in some areas had dipped to around 23.6°C, a rare cool spell for the tropics, and weather officials warned it could drop further to about 22°C at the coldest moments (DM News).
Despite the deluge, flooding has been largely kept at bay so far – as of Wednesday evening there were no reports of serious floods in most parts of Singapore, thanks in part to improved drainage infrastructure (Straits Times). Authorities have cautioned residents to stay vigilant, however, as low-lying areas saw water levels run high and at least one coastal spot faced a brief flood risk alert during the heaviest rain (Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS)).
Current Weather Impacts: High Water and Slow Commutes
The National Water Agency, PUB, issued a flash flood risk alert at about 2:45pm on Wednesday for the Mountbatten Road and Jalan Seaview area in the East, advising people to avoid that vicinity for an hour due to rising waters. Fortunately, that precaution was lifted by late afternoon as the rainfall intensity eased slightly and the waters subsided without major incident (PUB Singapore).
Elsewhere across the island, drainage systems have so far coped with the steady downpours. Traffic has continued to move, albeit at a slower pace – with many motorists driving cautiously through waterlogged roads under low visibility conditions (CNA). Commuters armed with umbrellas and raincoats navigated slick pavements and curbside puddles during the morning rush hours. Some minor road accidents were reported on Wednesday amid the slippery conditions, but no serious injuries occurred (Straits Times).
The cooler weather has provided a brief respite from Singapore’s usual heat and humidity. Many residents jokingly welcomed the “air-con weather” outdoors even as they dealt with rain-related inconveniences. Daytime temperatures struggled to reach 25°C at the peak of the rain, a stark contrast to the typical 31–33°C highs for March afternoons (MSS).
Forecast: When Will the Rain Ease?
Meteorologists say there is light at the end of this wet spell. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), the monsoon surge is expected to persist through Friday, March 21, before gradually weakening (MSS). In a weather advisory issued on March 17, MSS had forewarned that this surge – essentially a burst of strong north-easterly winds over the South China Sea – would bring three days of cool, windy, and very wet weather from March 19 to 21. During this period, widespread moderate to heavy showers are forecast across Singapore, with daily minimum temperatures around 22°C, well below the March average.
The good news is that conditions should improve heading into the weekend. The current cool, wet spell is expected to be temporary, and meteorologists predict a return to more typical weather by late weekend as the surge dissipates and winds shift direction (NEA). After Friday, daily temperatures are forecast to rebound to a range of about 24–34°C, and the persistent day-long rains should give way to the more usual pattern of short thundery showers mainly in the afternoons.
Why Has the Rainfall Been So Prolonged? The Science Behind the Downpours
Every year around this time, Singapore trades its scorching tropical sun for torrential monsoon rains (DM News). Singapore experiences two monsoon seasons each year: the Northeast Monsoon (December to March) and the Southwest Monsoon (June to September). Right now, we are in the late stage of the Northeast Monsoon, which typically tapers off by March. This monsoon brings frequent showers and occasional multi-day monsoon surges when strong northeasterly winds cause several days of continuous rain (MSS).
A monsoon surge typically brings widespread, prolonged rain, often accompanied by strong winds and cooler weather. Singapore sees a few of these events each year on average. However, having a significant surge in late March is a bit uncommon – such surges usually occur in the earlier part of the Northeast Monsoon (December or January) (NEA).
So why does this year’s monsoon feel especially wet and long-lasting? One factor could be the La Niña climate pattern in the Pacific. La Niña tends to boost rainfall in Southeast Asia, and climate experts say that this year’s monsoon rains have likely been amplified by La Niña conditions (Straits Times).
Flooding, Disruptions and Public Advisories
With rain pouring for hours on end, flood management is a top concern. PUB has activated its Quick Response Teams and is monitoring canal levels closely as the storms set in (PUB). On social media, PUB cautioned that intense rainfall can temporarily overwhelm drains and canals, potentially causing flash floods in low-lying spots. Transport disruptions have been relatively minor given the scale of rainfall, though traffic delays and some flight diversions were reported at Changi Airport due to poor visibility (Changi Airport).
Experts: A Temporary Chill Before a Warm Rebound
Meteorologists and climate experts reiterate that Singapore’s current rainy episode, while unusually long, is within the realm of expected monsoonal behavior (MSS). The consensus among experts is that drier conditions will return soon. “Once this surge blows over, we should see a transition back to the inter-monsoon period with more sunshine,” said an MSS forecaster.
Looking ahead, climate scientists are watching how regional patterns like La Niña evolve, since these will influence the upcoming weather trends. For now, Singaporeans can expect a few more days of cool showers before the sun returns. The rains are here for now, but they won’t last forever – and when the skies finally clear, the island will get a chance to dry out and warm up once again.
