Singapore sets 2024 records for temperature and rainfall

Singapore experienced record-breaking weather in 2024, with unusual temperature and rainfall patterns. July marked the first dry spell since 2019, while November was the wettest in over 40 years, according to a report from the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). The total rainfall for the year was 2,739.8 mm, surpassing the average of 2,534.3 mm. However, MSS indicated that these rainfall patterns could not be linked directly to climate change. Instead, Singapore's rainfall is influenced by larger climate cycles like the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. Overall, 2024 was one of the warmest years, tying with 2019 and 2016, with an average temperature of 28.4°C. This year also set records in July and December for monthly high temperatures. The warm conditions were likely related to the El Nino phenomenon. The July dry spell lasted from the 13th to the 30th, influenced by tropical cyclones that brought drier air to the region. Conversely, November saw an island-wide average rainfall of 419 mm, supported by a weather phenomenon known as the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which contributed significantly to the rainfall that month. Experts note that it is challenging to connect specific rainfall events to climate change, suggesting more data is needed to clarify the impacts. Events like a rapid Sumatra squall in September caused widespread damage, showing that while rain events may vary, their effects can be significant.