More dry days with below average rainfall in Jan and Feb: NEA

SINGAPORE - The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday Singapore has been experiencing fewer rain days since mid-January, with the onset of the dry phase of the northeast monsoon.

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Here is the full statement from National Environment Agency:

EARLY ONSET OF DRY PHASE OF NORTHEAST MONSOON

Below Average Rainfall Expected in January and February 2015

SINGAPORE - Singapore has been experiencing fewer rain days since mid-January 2015 with the onset of the dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon. With low rainfall forecast for the rest of the month, total rainfall for January 2015 is expected to be significantly below average. Below average rainfall is also forecast for February.

The Northeast Monsoon typically comprises a wet phase from late November to January, followed by a dry phase in February. The dry phase is characterised by drier and cooler weather and generally windy conditions.

This year, the onset of the dry phase was slightly earlier than usual. A contributing factor is that of stronger winds in the surrounding region which have caused an earlier southward shift of the monsoon rain belt away from Singapore.

This followed a relatively wet November and December 2014 where the total rainfall was 27 per cent and 20 per cent respectively above the long-term average.

From January 1 to 21, 2015, the total rainfall averaged across rainfall stations islandwide was 83.7mm.

At the Changi climate station, rainfall of 79.6mm was recorded, significantly below the long-term average of 242.4mm for January. The average daily temperature over the same period is comparable to that of recent years, and it has been more windy.

For the rest of January 2015, generally dry and windy conditions are expected, with mainly localised short-duration showers on a few days.

The total rainfall for January 2015 is expected to be approximately 40-60 per cent below the long-term average of 242.4mm. Significantly below average rainfall for January was last recorded in 2014 and 2010.

For February, which is climatologically one of the driest months of the year, below average rainfall is forecast.

However, the current assessment is that the dry phase of the Northeast Monsoon season this year is not likely to be of the same degree of dryness as that experienced during the record dry spell of 2014.

PUB would also like to urge the community and industries to use water wisely and conserve precious water resources.