SINGAPORE: On March 24, 2024, Singapore experienced its highest temperature of the year, reaching 36.3°C in Choa Chu Kang, according to data from the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS).
This record-breaking heat wave occurred at 2:41 pm, surpassing the previous highest temperature of 36°C recorded on Sentosa Island earlier in the month.
In a statement issued on March 23, MSS warned that Singapore’s weather in 2024 could surpass the temperatures observed in 2023, which was ranked as the country’s fourth-warmest year on record since 1929. The statement highlighted the potential for even hotter temperatures in the coming months.
The severity of the heat wave extends beyond Singapore, with neighboring Malaysia also grappling with scorching temperatures. Reports from the Malaysian news agency Bernama revealed one death due to heatstroke in Pahang, along with 27 cases of heat-related illnesses across the country. The prolonged hot and dry spell has led to significant challenges in crop cultivation and livestock farming.
In response to the escalating heatwave, several regions in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, Perak, Pahang, and Selangor, have issued Level 1 or Level 2 heatwave alerts. A Level 1 alert is triggered when temperatures range between 35°C and 37°C over a specific period, while a Level 2 warning is issued for temperatures between 37°C and 40°C sustained over three consecutive days.
The rising temperatures underscore the urgency for proactive measures to address heat-related risks and mitigate the impact on public health, agriculture, and the environment.
