SINGAPORE — As heavy rain and cooler temperatures sweep across Singapore, the National Water Agency, PUB (Public Utilities Board), has issued a flood risk alert to caution the public. The alert was released on March 19, 2025, at approximately 2:45 PM, marking an urgent call for commuters to avoid the Jalan Seaview and Mountbatten Road areas for at least one hour, until around 3:45 PM.
The country is currently experiencing enhanced weather conditions due to a monsoon surge expected to occur from March 19 to 21, 2025. The surge is characterized by north-easterly winds, which bring with them breezy and cooler conditions, along with periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. In fact, a media advisory from the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) indicates that residents can expect temperatures to dip as low as 22°C.
This anticipated monsoon surge is the third of its kind this year, following an earlier surge that impacted the region from January 10 to January 13, 2025, during which significant rainfall led to flight diversions at Changi Airport due to flooding. The MSS explained that colder air moving southward over the South China Sea is responsible for these storms, creating increasingly unstable weather conditions.
Jalan Seaview, particularly, has a history of flooding, being a low-lying area steeped in tidal influences. Notably, flash floods struck this neighborhood just a few months ago, on January 10, 2025, as part of that previous monsoon surge. Although PUB has undertaken significant drainage upgrades at Jalan Seaview back in 2014 to enhance water flow, some road sections still remain vulnerable. Authorities highlighted that the existing road levels are not significantly above high tide levels, leaving parts of the area susceptible to future flooding.
To mitigate these ongoing risks, the Singapore government is investing in additional drainage enhancement projects, with several initiatives scheduled to start later this year. PUB has urged residents to remain vigilant as the monsoon season continues, advising them to subscribe to the PUB Flood Alerts Telegram channel for the latest updates. This will help them adjust any travel plans accordingly and mitigate road risks.
“Heavy rain may overwhelm drain systems, leading to flash floods,” warned PUB in a recent advisory. They also outlined a set of guidelines to help residents remain flood-ready during this season: follow PUB flood alerts, learn how to be prepared for floods, avoid flooded areas, share updates, and assist others where possible.
In an illustration of the serious nature of these weather conditions, the monsoon's effect could shift the air conditioning requirements for homes, as cooler weather arrives with gusty winds and lower temperatures. While this monsoon surge temporarily brings respite from Singapore's traditionally warm and humid climate, the early forecasts suggest that residents should continue keeping an umbrella close at hand as light thundery showers are still expected in the afternoons throughout March.
Looking ahead, the forecast implies that after the monsoon surge, daily temperatures will stabilize between 24 and 34 degrees Celsius. However, for now, the focus remains clear: residents in flood-prone areas like Jalan Seaview should prepare adequately for potential flooding.
While these fluctuating humidity levels in Singapore can be seen as a mixed blessing, there is an anticipation for the rainfall, especially among areas that generally need a reprieve from dry spells. The PUB alerts, and the associated safety measures, have become increasingly vital as urban planners continue to deal with the urban heat challenges and rising sea levels.
The government remains committed to future-proofing the East Coast area against rising sea levels through land reclamation efforts, including the planned Long Island project. This initiative aims to provide added protection against tidal floods for vulnerable localities like Jalan Seaview.
With the community urged to stay informed and prepared, this monsoon surge brings not just challenges but opportunities for improved resilience against our climatic realities. This unified response from agencies highlights the collective efforts from various sectors to safeguard residents in such turbulent weather and reminds us all of our responsibilities towards community safety. Residents are encouraged to take heed of advisories and cooperate with suggestions to better navigate this flooded terrain.
As Singapore faces yet another monsoon surge, the alert serves as a reminder of the natural challenges encountered in this tropical climate.
