Get ready for a stormy start to December! The first half of the month is shaping up to be wet and thundery, with the Meteorological Service Singapore forecasting frequent afternoon storms across the island. But here’s what makes it interesting — while the rain brings a welcome cool relief, it might just stretch into the evenings on certain days. Temperatures are expected to swing between a toasty 33°C and a more comfortable 24°C, though the heat could climb to around 34°C on some particularly warm afternoons.
According to the latest outlook released on Dec 1, rainfall across most parts of Singapore should hover close to the historical average. The weather is being driven by the northeast monsoon season, with winds likely sweeping in from the northwest or northeast. These shifting wind patterns often bring that familiar mix of muggy mornings followed by sudden downpours — a routine that many locals love to hate.
Taking a look back at late November, the weatherman reported that Singapore had been under inter-monsoon conditions. That meant mostly light breezes and calm mornings. However, as the month came to an end, low-level winds picked up in strength and switched direction, first pushing from the west before veering to the northeast.
Thunderstorms were a near-daily occurrence during those final two weeks of November. Some nights even came with gusty winds and flashes of lightning illuminating the sky. The most dramatic rainfall event was on Nov 17, when large portions of the island — especially Clementi — were drenched. That area recorded the highest rainfall of the fortnight, measuring an impressive 70.4mm.
Daytime temperatures during this period mostly ranged between 32°C and 34°C, peaking at a sweltering 35.2°C in Paya Lebar on Nov 29. While parts of the island saw average to above-average rains, much of Singapore was actually drier than expected. Sembawang, for instance, collected only about half its usual rainfall. In contrast, Sentosa broke the pattern, logging about 59 percent more rain than its long-term average.
Here’s the part that could divide opinions: Some residents see the rainy season as a refreshing break from the heat, while others dread the travel delays and drenched shoes. Do you think these frequent thundery afternoons make Singapore’s December weather charming or chaotic? Share your thoughts — is the rain a blessing, a nuisance, or a bit of both?
