Temperatures in Singapore could hit 40°C as early as 2045: Scientists

By Low Youjin

SINGAPORE — By 2045, Singaporeans could face some days of the year when temperatures soar as high as a scorching 40°C.

At best, this sweltering scenario could be delayed to as late as 2065 onwards, based on simulations conducted by a team of scientists at the Centre for Climate Research Singapore, which is part of the Meteorological Service Singapore.

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To put it in numbers, Dr Eeqmal said that Singapore’s temperature has increased by 0.29°C, on average, over the past four decades.

‘New temperature regime’

The numbers may seem minuscule, but the effects on the environment manifest in a huge way through changing weather patterns and more extreme weather.

For instance, Dr [Muhammad Eeqmal Hassim, a senior research scientist at the centre,] said Singapore is experiencing “heavy rain events that are not only more intense, but more frequent”.

Minimum temperatures are also on the rise. “One of the signs of global warming is that night time temperatures are increasing as well. So people are getting less relief.”

The last decade has also been the hottest decade on record, he said. “We are getting into a new temperature regime.”

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