Extreme weather is a severe weather phenomenon that is different from the usual weather pattern. The resultant hazards can cause substantial damage to our property and even loss of human life.
In Singapore, extreme weather conditions include heavy rain, floods and heatwaves. Due to climate change, in the foreseeable future these unusual meteorological events will appear more often and in higher intensity.
When we visit sales galleries or go flat viewings, no developer or property agent will warn us about possible adverse effects of climate change. Before we place the deposit for our new home, how do we know whether this most expensive purchase we make is vulnerable to extreme weather in the future?
3 extreme weather conditions affecting Singapore homes
Just because the industry stakeholders don’t talk about it doesn’t mean weather hazards are not a priority for us. After all, we homebuyers who are footing the bill here. That is exactly the reason why I am running an education seminar The Future of Singapore Homes on August 30 to warn potential homebuyers and property owners what exactly they need to look out for in residential properties.
(Declaration: In this seminar, any resemblance to your home in any of the potentially hazardous situations is purely coincidental. If I happen to mention the district, estate or project you are currently residing or waiting for completion, I apologize for any distress it may cause you.)
In this post, we will only cover three extreme weather conditions in Singapore caused by climate change – heavy rain, floods and heatwaves. In fact, we are already feeling the impacts of these weather hazards.
Extreme weather #1: Heavy rain
There are three distinct weather seasons in Singapore:
1) The Northeast Monsoon lasts from December to early March. It is characterized by wet monsoon surges with strong wind, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall.
2) The Southwest Monsoon lasts from June to September. It is dominated by occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms across Singapore.
3) Inter-Monsoons come from April to May and October to November. It brings us afternoon and evening heavy thunderstorms.
To put it briefly, Singapore’s weather is wet, wet, wet. Rainfall is abundant here. How we wish the water was bank notes pouring from the sky!
Usually, Singapore experiences two to four monsoon surges annually. However, by March 2025, we have already experienced three wet monsoon surges during this Northeast Monsoon season this year.
The extreme weather of heavier rainfall is the result of climate change. Because warmer oceans increase the evaporation of water into the air. Like it or not, we will expect to have more frequent and heavier downpours in the future.
Unfortunately, the risks of heavy precipitation include flooding, landslides and soil erosion. With reduced visibility and slippery surfaces, it is dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.
Which areas in Singapore have the highest precipitations? The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) told us that the heaviest rainfalls are usually recorded over the northern and western parts of Singapore. We can further narrow down to the districts or areas when we discuss this topic at the seminar.
On a separate note, a common home problem that often follows heavy rain is water leakage. I will share what I learned from an experienced plumber about the time bomb of water piping in a certain district in Singapore.
Extreme weather #2: Floods
On April 20, the heaviest rainfall of 113.2 mm was recorded in central Singapore. After 45 minutes of heavy downpours, flash floods were recorded at four prime locations: Kings Road, Bukit Timah Road, Coronation Walk and the junction of Stevens Road and Balmoral Road.
This was not the first time. Four months earlier on 29 December 2024, there were flash floods along Bukit Timah Road. The authority admitted that Bukit Timah is prone to flooding due to drainage problems. How far are the cutting down of trees, building new development and unceasing roadworks contributing to flooding?
“We understand that deforestation has irreversible negative consequences on the natural environment. Deforestation is the main cause of climate change. The resulting soil erosion causes serious flooding, especially in a place with low-lying terrain like Singapore.”
– “Action required: Saving the forests for our future”, PropertySoul.com
On July 26, a driver in her car fell into a sinkhole in Tanjong Katong near a PUB worksite. An engineer said there might be a void in the earth underneath Tanjong Katong Road South that caused the road to cave in.
In the past, the major cause of sinkholes in Singapore is construction work, including underground tunnelling, excavation works or underground pipe leaks. Also, persistent rain and flooding can contribute to the formation of sinkholes.
But construction sites in Singapore are like convenience stores. There is definitely one nearby. With increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather, how safe is it to stay near large infrastructure construction sites?
Besides flash floods, there are coastal floods with rising sea levels. Before buying any home, it’s best to study the list of flooding hotspots and list of flood prone areas in Singapore. We will go over them at the seminar.
Extreme weather #3: Heatwaves
Due to climate change, rising temperatures is a global phenomenon. Singapore is no exception. According to a climate report, in 2024 alone, we had 122 extra days of dangerous heat days (mean temperatures higher than the warmest 10 percent of temperatures observed over the period of 1991 to 2020).
Singapore’s average temperature was 28.4°C in 2024 which was the warmest year on record. The highest temperature was 36.4°C recorded in Paya Lebar on April 26. A year ago in 2023, the highest daily temperature was 37°C recorded in Ang Mo Kio. It won’t be long when we see Singapore temperatures reaching or going beyond 40°C on hotter days.
Heatwaves pose serious threats of heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke which can be fatal. Furthermore, heatwaves can worsen chronic diseases such as heart, kidney and respiratory conditions. Dehydration increases the risks of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. It can also lead to mental health problems and reduced cognitive function.
Fortunately, despite being a small country, not all areas in the little red dot experience the same intensity of heat. Before we buy a home, we can always study the “heat map” to identify cooler areas and avoid moving to districts constantly reporting record high temperatures.
Similar to floods, there are also certain types, facing and layout of homes that we should avoid buying if we can’t take the heat. I will delve into each of them during my presentation.
More potential natural hazards
There are more things about extreme weather and potential natural hazards I would like to share. One important topic is the history of reclamation in Singapore and what is happening to some reclaimed land now.
While I was writing this post, Myanmar was struck by a 5.4-magnitude aftershock after its disastrous 8.2-magniture earthquake this March. Same as last time, as far as Bangkok could feel the tremors.
Singapore has no earthquake but we do have tremors. I used to stay at a private development in Singapore for four years and experienced tremors for at least three times. Before that, I didn’t know the soil under Singapore varies significantly according to which part you stay in the island. We can talk more during my presentation.
So far I have only mentioned what I will cover about climate change during our seminar on August 30. Above all, another speaker Mr. Ku Swee Yong, Director of International Property Advisor, will share with the audience the main initiatives in Draft Master Plan 2025 which serves as Singapore’s land use plan in the next 10 to 15 years. He will also highlight development areas with potential, the newly announced estate upgrading programme and the much debated new updates of VERS (Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme) for HDB flats.
Food for thought
In short, the impacts of climate change are going to reshape our housing requirements. Sooner or later, Singapore homebuyers will no longer put good facilities, transportation links and reputable schools as priorities for their home purchase. Instead, resilience to extreme weather and distance from potential hazards will be the key factors for consideration.
After all, we are buying the roof over the head of our family. The least we want to see is a home causing inconvenience or dangers to our loved ones. Ultimately, living with peace of mind is far more important than any price appreciation of our house in the years to come.
As long as we continue to reside in Singapore, we are in the same boat. Under the act of God, we either take refuge or submit to it. Better be safe than sorry.
If you miss “The Future of Singapore Homes” education seminar, you can watch the recording here.
My book Behind The Scenes of The Property Market is available for preview and order online.
Check out my new online courses How To Buy Good Quality Properties and Buy The Right Condos.
If you need advice on property matters or residential properties in Singapore, you can check out my one-to-one consultation service.
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